Apparatus for use with a protective cup

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for use with a protective cup is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of support members which may position the protective cup in a preferred position relative to a user&#39;s body, and secure the protective cup in the preferred position. The plurality of support members may connect to the protective cup or a protective support configured to receive the protective cup. The apparatus may be configured to protect the user&#39;s groin region, such as the user&#39;s crotch area, pubic bone and genitals. The apparatus may also be configured to protect the user&#39;s buttocks or legs, such as the user&#39;s hips, thighs, shins or knees.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/617,489, filed Nov. 12, 2009, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/270,501, filed Jul. 9,2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates in general to a protective apparatus,and more specifically, to a wearable protective garment for use with aprotective cup.

BACKGROUND

Protective cups and other devices are typically used to protect a user'sgroin region, e.g., the user's crotch area, pubic bone and genitals,during the performance of sports, physical activities or non-athleticoccupations and activities. Protective cups are used by male and femaleadults as well as children. Typically, a protective cup protects theuser during activities in which that user may be susceptible to impactsto the groin region. The protective cup typically covers a user'sgenitals, for example, such that the user's genitals are positionedinside the protective cup and an impact to the protective cup isabsorbed by the area around the user's genitals rather than the user'sgenitals themselves.

Certain users have inserted a protective cup into a pair of shorts orpants without a jock with the protective cup may be free standing fromthe shorts or pants. Typically, the shorts or pants do not hold the cupfirmly and tightly against the user's body. The non-secured cup maycause the cup to move relative to the user's genitals, which may resultin serious injury and pain for the user.

Typically, an athletic supporter or jock holds a protective cup toprotect a user's groin region from impacts. A jock typically includes anelastic waistband and two elastic jock straps. Each jock strap mayextend from the waistband, around one of the user's legs, and connect toa pouch. Typically, the pouch connects to the waistband and holds theprotective cup against the user's body (e.g., the user's groin region).The elasticity of the waistband and jock straps generally position thepouch and cup to protect the user's groin region.

Athletic support shorts, such as compression shorts, are an alternativeto jocks with jock straps. Athletic support shorts may position aprotective cup over a user's groin region without the use of jockstraps. Some users find athletic support shorts to be preferable tojocks based on personal taste or the activity at hand. Typically,athletic support shorts include a closeable pouch that generallypositions a protective cup relative to the user's groin region.

During some activities, such as the performance of sports (e.g., combatsports), existing jocks and athletic support shorts fail to providesufficient support to secure the protective cup relative to the user'sgroin region. That is, known jocks and athletic support shorts do notprovide sufficient support to maintain the positioning of the protectivecup during certain activities. For example, in martial arts, wrestling,kickboxing, mixed martial arts or any other vigorous activity, impact tothe genital area may move or push the protective cup out of positionrelative to the user's groin, thereby increasing the user'svulnerability to impact. When the user performs these activities,movement by the user may cause the protective cup to become dislodged ordisplaced from its proper positioning relative to the user's groin.

When the protective cup is dislodged from its proper positioningrelative to the user's groin, the user becomes susceptible to risk ofinjury. Movement of the protective cup may cause the cup edge to contactthe user's genitals or cause the cup edge to be in direct contact withthe user's genitals rather than the appropriate surrounding area, whichmay cause considerable injury and pain to the user. Oftentimes adisplaced protective cup may not be effective in reducing the potentialfor injury, and may actually increase the potential for injury to theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example embodiment of agarment for use with a protective cup.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the example embodimentshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the example embodiment shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of the example embodiment shown in FIG.1, wherein first, second and third support members connect to aprotective cup support.

FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged view of the example embodiment shown inFIG. 4A, wherein first, second and third support members connect to aprotective cup support.

FIG. 4C illustrates an enlarged view of an example embodiment of agarment for use with a protective cup, wherein first, second and thirdsupport members connect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 4D illustrates an enlarged view of an example embodiment of agarment for use with a protective cup, wherein first, second and thirdsupport members connect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 4E illustrates an enlarged view of an example embodiment of agarment for use with a protective cup, wherein first, second and thirdsupport members connect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of aprotective cup.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line i-i of theexample embodiment shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of aprotective cup.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line ii-ii of theexample embodiment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line ii-ii of theexample embodiment shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a garmentfor use with a protective cup, wherein first, second and third supportmembers adjustably connect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of the example embodimentshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the example embodimentshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of an example embodiment ofa garment for use with a protective cup.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the example embodimentshown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example embodiment ofa garment for use with a protective cup.

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example embodiment ofa garment for use with a protective cup, wherein certain portions of theexample embodiment are enlarged for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of aninner garment for use with a protective cup.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top, side perspective view of the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the example embodiment shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the example embodiment shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of afastening system on an example embodiment of an outer garment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the example embodiment shownin FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a partial front perspective view of the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial front perspective view of the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 illustrates a partial front perspective view of an exampleembodiment of a fastening system on an example embodiment of an outergarment.

FIG. 23A illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of afastening system on an example embodiment of an outer garment.

FIG. 23B illustrates a partial front view of the example embodimentshown in FIG. 23A.

FIG. 24 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example embodiment ofa garment for use with a protective cup.

FIG. 25 illustrates a side perspective view of the example embodimentshown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26A illustrates a top view of the example embodiment shown in FIG.24, wherein first, second, third and fourth support members connect to aprotective cup support.

FIG. 26B illustrates an enlarged view of the example embodiment shown inFIG. 26A, wherein first, second, third and fourth support membersconnect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 26C illustrates an enlarged view of an example embodiment of agarment for use with a protective cup, wherein first, second, third andfourth support members connect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 26D illustrates an enlarged view of an example embodiment of agarment for use with a protective cup, wherein first, second, third andfourth support members connect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 26E illustrates an enlarged view of an example embodiment of agarment for use with a protective cup, wherein first, second, third andfourth support members connect to a protective cup support.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exploded view of an example embodiment of aninner garment for use with a protective cup.

FIG. 28 illustrates a top, side perspective view of the exampleembodiment shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrates a top view of the example embodiment shown in FIG.27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The garment of the present disclosure may be implemented in variousconfigurations for protecting one or more areas of a user's body. In anexample embodiment, the garment is configured to protect the user'sgroin region, such as the user's crotch area, pubic bone and genitals.The garment may also be configured to protect the user's buttocks orlegs, such as the user's hips, thighs, shins or knees.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, 4A and 4B, an example embodiment of agarment 10, such as a jock or an athletic supporter, is illustrated. Thegarment 10 includes an annular support member 12 that encircles a user'swaist and is commonly referred to as a waistband. The waistband 12 mayconnect or attach to a protective cup support 14. The protective cupsupport 14 is configured to support, hold or otherwise secure aprotective cup 16 relative to a user's body. For example, the cup 16 maycover or encapsulate the user's genitals (e.g., a penis and testicles ofa male user or a vulva of a female user). The garment 10 includes afirst support member 18, a second support member 20 and a third supportmember 22 which cooperate with the waistband 12 to secure the protectivecup support 14 relative to the user.

In an example embodiment, the waistband 12 has a front region 24, sideregions 26, 27 and a rear region 28. The side regions 26, 27 separatethe front region 24 from the rear region 28. For example, the waistband12 may include an annular band of longitudinally elastic material whichgenerally conforms to the waist of a user or person wearing the garment10. The waistband 12 may include a fabric covering coextensive with andstitched to the elastic material.

In an example embodiment, the waistband 12 includes a suitably resilientor elastic material including natural fibers such as cotton, linen orwool, synthetic fibers such as polyester, spandex or nylon, or variousblends of natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton and polyester orspandex and nylon. The resilient or elastic material may include afabric having any suitable weave or pattern. It should be appreciatedthat the waistband 12 may be formed from a non-elastic material, such asleather, or may be used in combination with a drawstring, a belt or anyother suitable closure member to maintain the garment 10 in place on thewaist of the user. In an example embodiment described below in greaterdetail, the waistband 12 may include a fastening system having one ormore closure members which maintain the garment 10 in position relativeto the user's waist.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 14 includes a frontpanel 30 which may connect to a rear panel 32 by stitching or any othersuitable manner. The front panel 30 and the rear panel 32 are connectedto, and cooperate with, one another to form an interior space or pocket34. The protective cup 16 may be removable from the interior space 34.

In an example embodiment, the front panel 30 may include a first portion36 which overlaps, or otherwise cooperates with, a second portion 38 toform an aperture or slot 40 which provides access to the interior space34. The first portion 36 may be separable from the second portion 38 bya designated amount (e.g., about one inch, about two and one-halfcentimeters, or any other suitable amount) to provide access to theinterior space 34. As illustrated, the aperture 40 may be configured andsized to accommodate the protective cup 16 such that the protective cup16 may be inserted through the aperture 40 and received by the interiorspace 34.

It should be appreciated that the aperture 40 may be formed by the rearpanel 32 of the protective cup support 14, rather than the front panel30 of the protective cup support 14. For example, the rear panel 32 mayinclude overlapping portions which cooperate to define an aperturehaving access to the interior space 34. In this example, the user mayaccess the interior space 34 (e.g., to position the protective cup 16)through the aperture on the rear panel 32 of the protective cup support14.

In an example embodiment, the front panel 30 and the rear panel 32 maybe connected together to form an upper area or portion 42, a lower areaor portion 44, a first side area or portion 46 and a second side area orportion 48. The upper portion 42 connects to the front region 24 of thewaistband. The upper portion 42 may attach or connect to the frontregion 24 of the waistband 12 by stitching, or by fabric portionsintegral to the waistband 12. The lower portion 44 opposes the upperportion 42 along a vertical axis. The first side portion 46 and thesecond side portion 48 extend between the upper portion 42 and the lowerportion 44. In an example embodiment, the first and second side portions46, 48 extend from the upper portion 42, longitudinally oppose oneanother, and taper or narrow at the lower portion 44.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup support 14 may directlyconnect to the front region 24 of the waistband 12. For example, thefront region 24 of the waistband 12 may include a first end connected toat least one of the upper portion 42 and the first side portion 46 ofthe protective cup support 14 and a second end connected to at least oneof the upper portion 42 and the second side portion 48 of the protectivecup support 14. It should be also appreciated that the protective cupsupport 14 may directly connect to the side regions 26, 27 of thewaistband 12. For example, the side region 26 of the waistband 12 mayinclude a first end connected to at least one of the upper portion 42and the first side portion 46 of the protective cup support 14 and theside region 27 of the waistband 12 may include a second end connected toat least one of the upper portion 42 and the second side portion 48 ofthe protective cup support 14.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup support 14 may be sizedand shaped to substantially conform to the protective cup 16. In anexample embodiment, the protective cup support 14 is sized toaccommodate the protective cup 16 and to reduce the ability orlikelihood of the cup 16 shifting or moving within the interior space 34of the protective cup support 14. For example, when the protective cup16 is received by the interior space 34, the protective cup support 14may be configured such that the rear panel 32 supports a rear portion ofthe protective cup 16, the first portion 36 supports an upper, frontportion of the protective cup 16, the second portion 38 supports alower, front portion of the protective cup 16, and the waistband 12, thefront panel 30 and the rear panel 32 support an upper portion of theprotective cup 16.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 14 may include aprotective cup receiving opening formed between the front panel 30 andthe rear panel 32 to define the interior space 34 instead of theaperture 40 formed by overlapping portions 36, 38 of the front panel 30.The protective cup support 14 may include a closure member, such as asnap, a button, a zipper, hook and loop type fasteners or any othersuitable separable fasteners, to close the protective cup receivingopening (e.g., to fasten the front panel to the rear panel).

The protective cup support 14 may include a suitably resilient orelastic material including natural fibers such as cotton, linen or wool,synthetic fibers such as polyester, spandex or nylon, or various blendsof natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton and polyester or spandexand nylon. The resilient or elastic material may include a fabric havingany suitable weave or pattern. The protective cup support 14 may beformed from a non-elastic material, such as leather or any othersuitable non-elastic material. It should be appreciated that theprotective cup support 14 could be made from any suitable materialadapted to maintain a preferred or desired position of the protectivecup 16 relative to the user's body when worn by that user.

In an example embodiment, the first support member 18 may connectbetween the lower portion 44 and the first side portion 46 of theprotective cup support 14. The first support member 18 may include afirst end 50 which connects to the lower portion 44 of the protectivecup support 14, and a second end 52 which connects to the first sideportion 46 of the protective cup support 14. The first support member 18may be adapted to maintain the lower portion 44 and the side portion 46of the protective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 in apreferred position relative to the user's body. In an exampleembodiment, the first support member 18 stabilizes the protective cupsupport 14 and the protective cup 16 in lateral or side-to-sidedirections when the garment 10 is worn by the user.

The second support member 20 may connect between the lower portion 44and the second side portion 48 of the protective cup support 14. Thesecond support member 20 may include a first end 54 which connects tothe lower portion 44 of the protective cup support 14, and a second end56 which connects to the second side portion 48 of the protective cupsupport 14. The second support member 20 may be adapted to maintain thelower portion 44 and the side portion 48 of the protective cup support14 and the protective cup 16 in a preferred position relative to theuser's body. In an example embodiment, the second support member 20stabilizes the protective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 inlateral or side-to-side directions when the garment 10 is worn by theuser.

The third support member 22 may connect between the lower portion 44 ofthe protective cup support 14 and the waistband 12. The third supportmember 22 may include a first end 58 which connects to the lower portion44 of the protective cup support 14, and a second end 60 which connectsto the rear portion 28 of the waistband 12. The third support member 22may be adapted to maintain the lower portion 44 of the protective cupsupport 14 and the protective cup 16 in a preferred position relative tothe user's body. In an example embodiment, the third support member 22stabilizes the protective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 inforward, backward and vertical directions when the garment 10 is worn bythe user.

The first end 50 of the first support member 18, the first end 54 of thesecond support member 20 and the first end 58 of the third supportmember 22 may each connect to the lower portion 44 of the protective cupsupport 14 at a same location or at a substantially same location. Thefirst end 50 of the first support member 18, the first end 54 of thesecond support member 20 and the first end 58 of the third supportmember 22 may each connect to the lower portion 44 of the protective cupsupport 14 at different locations (e.g., for the ends 50, 54, 58 to havea spaced relationship with one another at the lower portion 44).

It should be appreciated that the end 50 of the first support member 18,the end 54 of the second support member 20 and the ends 58, 60 of thethird support member 22 may include an elastic component havingsufficient elastic tension to maintain the lower portion 44 of theprotective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body and reduce movement of theprotective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 in forward,backward, lateral and vertical directions. The ends 52, 56 of the firstand second support members 18, 20 may include an elastic componenthaving sufficient elastic tension to maintain the side portions 46, 48of the protective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 in apreferred position relative to the user's body and reduce movement ofthe protective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 in lateral orside-to-side directions.

In an example embodiment, the first, second and third support members18, 20, 22 may each include an elongated component or strap made from asuitably resilient or elastic material. It should be appreciated thatthe suitably resilient or elastic material may include natural fiberssuch as cotton, linen or wool, synthetic fibers such as polyester,spandex or nylon, or various blends of natural and synthetic fibers suchas cotton and polyester or spandex and nylon. The resilient or elasticmaterial may include a fabric having any suitable weave or pattern. Thefirst, second, third support members 18, 20, 22 may each be formed froma non-elastic material, such as leather or any other suitablenon-elastic material. It should also be appreciated that the first,second and third support members 18, 20, 22 may be made from anysuitable material adapted to maintain the position of the protective cup16 relative to the user's body when worn by that user.

It should be appreciated that the waistband 12, the protective cupsupport 14, the first support member 18, the second support member 20and the third support member 22 may be made from any stretchablematerial such as elastic material or extensible material. When elongatedin one or more dimensions, elastic materials may exert a force tendingto move the material at least partially to its original dimensions andextensible materials may remain in the elongated dimensions.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, an example embodiment of the first, second andthird support members 18, 20, 22 is illustrated. The first end 50 of thefirst support member 18, the first end 54 of the second support member20 and the first end 58 of the third support member 22 connects to thelower portion 44 of the protective cup support 14. The first end 58 ofthe third support member 22 may connect to the first end 50 of the firstsupport member 18, the first end 54 of the second support member 20, andthe lower portion 44 of the protective cup support 14 through stitchingor any other suitable manner. For example, the first end 58 of the thirdsupport member 22 may connect to the an upper or top portion of thefirst ends 50, 54 of the first and second support members 18, 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, an example embodiment of the first, second andthird support members 18, 20, 22 is illustrated. The first end 50 of thefirst support member 18, the first end 54 of the second support member20 and the first end 58 of the third support member 22 connects to thelower portion 44 of the protective cup support 14. The first end 58 ofthe third support member 22 may connect to the first end 50 of the firstsupport member 18, the first end 54 of the second support member 20, andthe lower portion 44 of the protective cup support 14 through stitchingor any other suitable manner. For example, the first end 58 of the thirdsupport member 22 may connect to the a lower or bottom portion of thefirst ends 50, 54 of the first and second support members 18, 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4D, an example embodiment of the first, second andthird support members 18, 20, 22 is illustrated. The first end 50 of thefirst support member 18 and the first end 54 of the second supportmember 20 connects to the lower portion 44 of the protective cup support14. The first end 58 of the third support member 22 may connect to thefirst end 50 of the first support member 18, the first end 54 of thesecond support member 20, or both through stitching or any othersuitable manner. The first end 58 of the third support member 22 mayconnect to any suitable portion of the first ends 50, 54 of the firstand second support members 18, 20. For example, the first end 58 of thethird support member 22 may connect to a top side of the first end 50 ofthe first support member 18 and the first end 54 of the second supportmember 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4E, an example embodiment of the first, second andthird support members 18, 20, 22 is illustrated. The first end 50 of thefirst support member 18 and the first end 54 of the second supportmember 20 connects to the lower portion 44 of the protective cup support14. The first end 58 of the third support member 22 may connect to anysuitable portion of the first ends 50, 54 of the first and secondsupport members 18, 20. For example, the first end 58 of the thirdsupport member 22 may be “Y” shaped. The first end 58 of the thirdsupport member 22 may have a first portion which connects to the firstend 50 of the first support member 18, and a second portion whichconnects to the first end 54 of the second support member 20.

It should be appreciated that the first end 58 of the third supportmember 22 may directly or indirectly connect to the lower portion 44 ofthe protective cup support 14 via at least one of (i) the first end 50of the first support member 18, (ii) the first end 54 of the secondsupport member 20, and (iii) the first end 50 of the first supportmember 18 and the first end 54 of the second support member 20.

The first, second or third support members 18, 20, 22 may be shaped,made from certain materials, or connected to various portions of thewaistband 12 or the protective cup support 14 to increase the user'scomfort while wearing the garment 10. For example, the third supportmember 22 may have a width that is greater than a width of the first orsecond support members 18, 20. In an example embodiment, the second end60 of the third support member 22 may have a width which is greater thanthe first end 58 of the third support member 22. The increased width ofthe third support member 22, or the increased width of the first end 58or the second end 60 of the third support member 22 may increase theuser's comfort while wearing the garment 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an example embodiment of theprotective cup 16 is illustrated. The protective cup 16 includes asubstantially convex protective cup body 62 shaped and sized to protecta user's groin. In an example embodiment, a pad or padded portion 64 ofa suitable thickness may extend along all or part of an edge or edgesurface of the body 62. The padded portion 64 may be bonded, adhered orotherwise connected to the edge of the body 62 in any suitable manner.The thickness of the padded portion 64 creates separation between thebody 62 and the user's groin, which may distribute the force of animpact or pressure over a suitably large area of the user's body whereinthe cup 16 is positioned. This may prevent the body 62 of the cup 16from digging in, bruising or chaffing the user's body. In an exampleembodiment, the padded portion 64 may be shaped and have an appropriatethickness to reduce irritation and injury to the user's groin or legs,where the padded portion 64 is typically seated.

In an example embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, theprotective cup 16 includes a plurality of openings 66 formed through thebody 62. The openings 66 may be sized, shaped or positioned to reducethe weight of the protective cup 16, increase ventilation through theprotective cup 16, increase the structural strength of the protectivecup, or any suitable combination thereof. In an example embodiment, theprotective cup 16 may include a pad or padded layer 68 which covers thebody 62 of the protective cup 16. The padded layer 68 may cover oroverlay the body 62 and/or the padded portion 64 of the protective cup16. The padded layer 68 may be bonded, adhered or otherwise connected tothe body 62 in any suitable manner. The padded layer 68 may be formedintegral with or may be coupled to the body 62, the padded portion 64,or both. For example, the padded portion 64 and the padded layer 68 maybe integrally formed, such as by injection molding.

It should be appreciated that one, two or more padded layers 68 maycover the body 62. For example, one or more padded layers 68 may eachcover an outer surface and/or an inner surface of the body 62 of theprotective cup 16. In an example embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6B,the protective cup 16 includes at least one padded layer 68 which coversthe exterior surface or portion of the body 62 of the protective cup 16.Openings may be formed in the padded layer 68 to align with the openings66 formed through the body 62. In an example embodiment, as illustratedin FIG. 6C, the protective cup 16 includes at least one padded layer 68which covers an outer surface or portion of the body 62 of theprotective cup 16 and at least one padded layer 68 which covers an innersurface or portion of the body 62 of the protective cup 16. Openings maybe formed in the padded layers 68 to align with the openings 66 formedthrough the body 62.

In an example embodiment, the padded layer 68 may cover or substantiallycover an inner surface or portion of the body 62 of the protective cup16. Certain portions or areas of the padded layer 68 may be configuredto extend through one or more of the openings 66 formed through the body62 so that the padded layer 68 interfaces with both the inner surfaceand the outer surface of the body 62. For example, the padded layer 68may include at least one cell, rib, bump or protrusion that extends intoor through at least one of the openings 66 (e.g., from the inner surfaceof the protective cup to or through the outer surface of the protectivecup). The cells, ribs, bumps or protrusions may be filled with a solid,a liquid, a gas or a gel to absorb, disperse or reduce the amount offorce or speed of an impact. In an example embodiment, the padded layer68 may include one or more cells, ribs, bumps or protrusions configuredto secure the padded layer 68 to the outer surface of the body 62 of theprotective cup 16. For example, the cells, ribs, bumps or protrusionsmay include a flanged end that is configured to compress or deform wheninserted through one of the openings 66 in the cup body 62 and expand toits original form after passing through that opening 66. By expanding toits original form, the flanged end of the cell, rib, bump or protrusionmay secure the padded layer 68 to the inner and outer surfaces of thebody 62 of the protective cup 16. It should be appreciated that thepadded layer 68 may be removably attached to the body 62 for cleaning orreplacement.

The padded portion 64 and/or the padded layer 68 may include anysuitable perforated or non-perforated material which absorbs, dispersesor reduces an amount of force exerted thereon. In an example embodiment,the padded portion 64 and/or the padded layer 68 may include anysuitable polymer which is suitable to absorb, disperse or reduce theamount of force or speed of an impact. The padded portion 64 and/or thepadded layer 68 may include a shock absorbing polymer, a vibrationdampening polymer, a viscoelastic polymer or a visco polymer, such asthe polymers manufactured by Action Products, Inc. of Hagerstown, Md. Inan example embodiment, the padded portion 64 and/or the padded layer 68may include one or more cells, ribs, bumps or protrusions filled with asolid, a liquid, a gas or a gel to absorb, disperse or reduce the amountof force or speed of an impact. In an example embodiment, the paddedportion 64 and/or the padded layer 68 may include rubber or foam, whichmay act as a crumple zone to absorb, disperse, or reduce the amount offorce or speed of an impact. For example, the padded portion 64 and/orthe padded layer 68 may be any suitable foam, such as an ethylene vinylacetate (EVA) foam or a closed cell foam (e.g., polyethylene foam,polystyrene foam, or polychloroprene foam). In an example embodiment,the padded portion 64 and/or the padded layer 68 may be a panel ofperforated or non-perforated thermoplastic material having a honeycombcore and a plurality of sheets bonded to the honeycomb core. Thehoneycomb core may have shock dampening characteristics to absorb,disperse, or reduce the amount of force or speed of an impact. Oneexample of a suitable honeycomb structure is manufactured by Supracor,Inc. of San Jose, Calif.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup 16 may be sized andshaped similar to a traditional cup, a banana cup, or any other suitableprotective cup. The protective cup 16 may also be sized and shaped basedon the wearer's sex (i.e., male, or female). In an example embodiment,the protective cup 16 may be a “soft” cup which may readily conform tothe general shape and contours of the wearer's body (e.g., made from apliable material, such as foam, rubber or plastic), or a “hard” cupwhich may not readily conform to the general shape and contours of thewearer's body (e.g., made from a rigid material such synthetic orcomposite materials, such as plastics, resins or carbon fiber, ormetals, such as steel, aluminum alloy). The protective cup 16 may besized and shaped based on the wearer's age (e.g., adult or youth). Theprotective cup 16 may be sized and shaped based on a specific activityfor which the protective cup 16 will be used (e.g., a hockey cup or aboxing cup).

In an example embodiment, each of the first, second and third supportmembers 18, 20, 22 may have at least one end directly connected to theprotective cup 16. The first ends 50, 54, 58 of the first, second andthird support members 18, 20, 22 each may connect to a lower portion ofthe protective cup 16. The second end 52 of the first support member 18may connect to a first side portion of the protective cup 16. The secondend 56 of the second support member 20 may connect to a second sideportion of the protective cup 16.

In an example embodiment, the first ends 50, 54, 58 may connect to theprotective cup 16 through the same opening 66 or through differentopenings 66 in the body 62 of the protective cup 16. The second ends 52,56 of the first and second support members 18, 20 may connect to theprotective cup 16 through openings 66 formed in, or adjacent to, theside portions of the protective cup 16. The second end 60 of the thirdsupport member 22 may connect to the rear portion 28 of the waistband12. In an example embodiment, the second end 60 of the third supportmember 22 may connect to the waistband 12 by stitching or any othersuitable manner.

In an example embodiment, a genital positioner may be connected to, orused in conjunction with, the garment 10. The genital positioner may bea pocket, a pouch, a sack, a sheath, a sleeve or any other suitableholder that is configured to secure and locate the user's genitals in apreferred position relative to the protective cup support 14 and theprotective cup 16. The genital positioner may include a drawstring orany other suitable closure member to secure the user's genitals withinthe genital positioner. In an example embodiment, the genital positionermay be connected to the first support member 18, the second supportmember 20, the protective cup support 14, the protective cup 16, or anycombination thereof to locate the user's genitals in the preferredposition relative to the protective cup support 14 and the protectivecup 16 when the garment 10 is worn by the user. The genital positionermay be configured to minimize or reduce the possibility of the user'sgenitals contacting the protective cup 16. For example, after an impactto the user's groin region, the genital positioner may prevent or reducethe possibility of the user's genitals from contacting the protectivecup 16. In an example embodiment, the genital positioner may include apadded portion, such as the padded layer 68 described above. If theuser's genitals were to contact the protective cup 16 after an impact tothe user's groin, the padded layer of the genital positioner may reducethe force or speed at which the user's genitals contact the protectivecup 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 9, an example embodiment of a garment 100,such as a jock or an athletic supporter, is illustrated. The garment 100includes an annular support member 112 that encircles a user's waist andis commonly referred to as a waistband. The waistband 112 may connect orattach to a protective cup support 114. The protective cup support 114is configured to support, hold or otherwise secure a protective cup,such as the protective cup 16 described above, relative to a user'sbody. The garment 100 includes a first support member 118, a secondsupport member 120 and a third support member 122 which cooperate withthe waistband 112 to secure the protective cup support 114 relative tothe user.

In an example embodiment, the waistband 112 may include an annular bandof longitudinally elastic material which generally conforms to the waistof a user or person wearing the garment 100. The waistband 112 mayinclude a fabric covering coextensive with and stitched to the elasticmaterial. The waistband 112 may have a front region 124, side regions126, 127 and a rear region 128. The side regions 126, 127 separate thefront region 124 from the rear region 128. The rear region 128 of thewaistband 112 may include a support member receiving aperture or opening130, which may be configured to receive the third support member 122therethrough, as described below in greater detail.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 114 may define aninterior space 132, which may be substantially similar to the interiorspace 34 described above. For example, first and second portions of theprotective cup support 114 may be separable from one another to form anaperture or slot 133 which provides access to the interior space 132.The aperture 133 may have any suitable configuration or size toaccommodate the protective cup, such as the protective cup 16 describedabove. The protective cup may be inserted through the aperture 133 andreceived by the interior space 132. The protective cup support 114 mayinclude an upper area or portion 134, a lower area or portion 136, afirst side area or portion 138 and a second side area or portion 140.

The upper portion 134 may connect to the front region 124 of thewaistband by stitching, or by fabric portions integral to the waistband112. The lower portion 136 opposes the upper portion 134 along avertical axis. The first side portion 138 and the second side portion140 extend between the upper portion 134 and the lower portion 136. Inan example embodiment, the first and second side portions 138, 140extend from the upper portion 134, longitudinally oppose one another,and taper or narrow at the lower portion 136.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup support 114 may besized and shaped to substantially conform to the protective cup. In anexample embodiment, the protective cup support 114 is sized toaccommodate the protective cup and to reduce the ability or likelihoodof the cup shifting or moving within the interior space 132 of theprotective cup support 114. For example, when the protective cup isreceived by the interior space 132, the protective cup support 114 isconfigured such that the upper portion 134 may support an upper portionof the protective cup, the lower portion 136 may support a lower portionof the protective cup, and the side portions 138, 140 may supportrespective side portions of the protective cup.

The side portions 138, 140 of the protective cup support 114 may includeapertures or openings which receive the first and second support members118, 120. The first side portion 138 may include a support memberreceiving aperture or opening 142, which may be configured to receivethe first support member 118 therethrough. The second side portion 140may include a support member receiving aperture or opening 144, whichmay be configured to receive the second support member 120 therethrough.

The support member receiving apertures 142, 144 may be defined byrespective flanges 146, 148 which extend from the side portions 138,140. The flanges 146, 148 may include upper portions which connect tothe front region 124 of the waistband by stitching, or by fabricportions integral to the waistband 112. In an example embodiment, theflanges 146, 148 and the upper portion 134 may connect to the waistband112 to stabilize the protective cup support 114 and the protective cupin a vertical direction.

In an example embodiment, the first support member 118 connects betweenthe lower portion 136 and the first side portion 138 of the protectivecup support 114. The first support member 118 includes a first end 150,a body 152 and a second end 154. The body 152 may extend between thefirst end 150 and the second end 154. The body 152 may have a firstfastener 156 stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formed integralwith the body 152. The second end 154 may have a second fastener 158stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formed integral with the secondend 154.

The first end 150 may connect to the lower portion 136 of the protectivecup support 114. The second end 154 may connect to the side portion 138by extending through the support member receiving aperture 142 formed inthe side portion 138. The second fastener 158 may cooperate with thefirst fastener 156 to adjustably connect the second end 154 to the sideportion 138 of the protective cup support 114. The second end 154 may bemoved to different positions along the body 152, and secured thereto bythe fasteners 156, 158, to change or adjust the position and fit of theprotective cup support 114 and the protective cup relative to the user'sbody. The first support member 118 is adapted to maintain the lowerportion 134 and the side portion 138 of the protective cup support 114and the protective cup in a preferred position relative to the user'sbody. In an example embodiment, the first support member 118 stabilizesthe protective cup support 114 and the protective cup in lateral orside-to-side directions when the garment 100 is worn by the user.

In an example embodiment, the second support member 120 connects betweenthe lower portion 136 and the second side portion 140 of the protectivecup support 114. The second support member 120 includes a first end 160,a body 162 and a second end 164. The body 162 may extend between thefirst end 160 and the second end 164. The body 162 may have a firstfastener 166 stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formed integralwith the body 162. The second end 164 may have a second fastener 168stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formed integral with the secondend 164.

The first end 160 may connect to the lower portion 136 of the protectivecup support 114. The second end 164 may connect to the side portion 140by extending through the support member receiving aperture 144 formed inthe side portion 140. The second fastener 168 may cooperate with thefirst fastener 166 to adjustably connect the second end 164 to the sideportion 140 of the protective cup support 114. The second end 164 may bemoved to different positions along the body 162, and secured thereto bythe fasteners 166, 168, to change or adjust the position and fit of theprotective cup support 114 and the protective cup relative to the user'sbody. The second support member 120 is adapted to maintain the lowerportion 136 and the side portion 140 of the protective cup support 114and the protective cup in a preferred position relative to the user'sbody. In an example embodiment, the second support member 120 stabilizesthe protective cup support 114 and the protective cup in lateral orside-to-side directions when the garment 100 is worn by the user.

The third support member 122 connects between the lower portion 136 ofthe protective cup support 114 and the waistband 112. The third supportmember 122 includes a first end 170, a body 172 and a second end 174.The body 172 may extend between the first end 170 and the second end174. The body 172 may have a first fastener 176 stitched to, connectedto, or otherwise formed integral with the body 172. The second end 174may have a second fastener 178 stitched to, connected to, or otherwiseformed integral with the second end 174.

The first end 170 may connect to the lower portion 136 of the protectivecup support 114. The second end 174 may connect to the rear portion 128of the waistband 112 by extending through the support member receivingaperture 130 formed in the rear portion 128. The second end 174 may bemoved to different positions along the body 172, and secured thereto bythe fasteners 176, 178, to change or adjust the position and fit of theprotective cup support 114 and the protective cup relative to the user'sbody. The third support member 122 maintains the lower portion 136 ofthe protective cup support 114 and the protective cup in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. In an example embodiment, thethird support member 122 stabilizes the protective cup support 114 andthe protective cup in forward, backward and vertical directions when thegarment 100 is worn by the user.

In an example embodiment, the lower portion 134 of the protective cupsupport 114 may include one or more flanges which define a supportmember receiving aperture. The support member receiving aperture definedby each flange may be configured to receive at least one of the first,second and third support members 118, 120, 122 therethrough. Forexample, the first, second and third support members 118, 120, 122 mayextend through the same aperture defined by one flange, or may extendthrough different apertures defined by different flanges. The first ends150, 160 and 170 of the first, second, and third support members 118,120, 122 may adjustably connect to the lower portion 134 of theprotective cup support 114 in a similar manner as described above withrespect to second ends 154, 164 adjustably connecting to the sideportions 138, 140 of the protective cup support 114.

In an example embodiment, the fasteners 156, 158, 166, 168, 176, 178 maybe stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formed integral with thesecond ends 154, 164, 174 of the first, second and third support members118, 120, 122. For example, the second end 154 may include the fasteners156, 158 so that the second end 154 extends through the aperture 142 andadjustably connects to itself via the fasteners 156, 158. The fasteners156, 158, 166, 168, 176, 178 may be any variety of suitable fastener,such as hook and loop type fasteners. It should be appreciated that thefasteners 156, 158, 166, 168, 176, 178 may be sized and positioned toenable adjustability of the first, second and third support members 118,120, 122 to different adjustable positions.

The end 150 of the first support member 118, the end 160 of the secondsupport member 120 and the end 160 of the third support member 122 maybe adjustable to different positions to maintain the lower portion 136of the protective cup support 114 and the protective cup in a preferredposition and reduce movement of the support 114 and the cup in forward,backward, lateral and vertical directions. The ends 154, 164 of thefirst and second support members 118, 120 may be adjustable to differentpositions to maintain the side portions 138, 140 of the protective cupsupport 114 and the protective cup in a preferred position and reducemovement of the support 114 and the cup in lateral or side-to-sidedirections.

In an example embodiment, the first, second and third support members118, 120, 122 may each include an elongated component or strap made froma suitably resilient or elastic material. It should be appreciated thatthe suitably resilient or elastic material may include natural fiberssuch as cotton, linen or wool, synthetic fibers such as polyester,spandex or nylon, or various blends of natural and synthetic fibers suchas cotton and polyester or spandex and nylon. The resilient or elasticmaterial may include a fabric having any suitable weave or pattern. Thefirst, second, third support members 118, 120, 122 may each be formedfrom a non-elastic material, such as leather or any other suitableextensible material. It should also be appreciated that the first,second and third support members 118, 120, 122 may be made from anysuitable material adapted to maintain the position of the protective cuprelative to the user's body when worn by that user.

It should be appreciated that the waistband 112, the protective cupsupport 114, the first support member 118, the second support member 120and the third support member 122 may be made from any stretchablematerial such as elastic material or extensible material. When elongatedin one or more dimensions, elastic materials may exert a force tendingto move the material at least partially to its original dimensions andextensible materials may remain in the elongated dimensions.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an example embodiment of a garment200, such as a jock or an athletic supporter, is illustrated. Thegarment 200 includes an annular support member 212, which is commonlyreferred to as a waistband. The waistband 212 may connect or attach to aprotective cup support 214. The protective cup support 214 is configuredto support, hold or otherwise secure a protective cup, such as theprotective cup 16 described above, relative to a user's body,specifically that user's groin region. For example, first and secondportions of the protective cup support 214 may be separable from oneanother to form an aperture or slot 215 which provides access to aninterior space thereof. The aperture 215 may have any suitableconfiguration or size to accommodate the protective cup when theprotective cup is inserted through the aperture 215 and received by theinterior space of the protective cup support 214.

In an example embodiment, the waistband 212 has a front region 230, sideregions 232, 233 and a rear region 234. The side regions 232, 233separate the front region 230 from the rear region 234. The waistband212 may include an annular band of longitudinally elastic material whichgenerally conforms to the waist of a user or person wearing the garment200. The waistband 200 may also include a fabric covering that iscoextensive with and stitched to the elastic material.

The side regions 231, 232 may each include a side fastener 240, 241 andthe rear region 234 may include a rear fastener 242. The fasteners 240,241 and 242 are positioned along the exterior of the waistband 212 suchthat one or more of the support members 218, 220, 222, 224 and 226 maybe adjustably connected to each fastener 240, 241 and 242.

In an example embodiment, the garment 200 includes a first supportmember 218, a second support member 220, a third support member 222, afourth support member 224, and a fifth support member 226 whichcooperate to secure the protective cup support 214 relative to thewaistband 212 and to the user.

In an example embodiment of garment 200, the first support member 218connects between a lower portion 244 of the protective cup support 214and the side fastener 240. The first support member 218 includes a firstend 250 which connects to the lower portion 244 of the protective cupsupport 14, and a second end 252 which adjustably connects to the sidefastener 240 of the waistband 212. The second end 252 of the firstsupport member 218 may include a fastener 254 which cooperates with theside fastener 240 to adjustably secure the first support member 218 tothe waistband 212. The second end 252 of the first support member 218may be moved to different positions relative to the waistband 212,wherein at each position, the fastener 254 engages the side fastener 240to adjustably tighten the protective cup support 214 relative to theuser's body.

The second support member 220 connects between the lower portion 244 ofthe protective cup support 214 and the side fasteners 241. The secondsupport member 220 includes a first end 256 which connects to the lowerportion 244 of the protective cup support 14, and a second end 258 whichadjustably connects to the side fastener 241 of the waistband 212. Thesecond end 258 of the second support member 220 may include a fastener260 which cooperates with the side fastener 241 to adjustably secure thesecond support member 220 to the waistband 212. The second end 258 ofthe second support member 220 may be moved to different positionsrelative to the waistband 212, wherein at each position, the fastener260 engages the side fastener 241 to adjustably tighten the protectivecup support 214 relative to the user's body.

The third support member 222 connects between the lower portion 244 ofthe protective cup support 214 and the rear fastener 242. The thirdsupport member 222 includes a first end 262 which connects to the lowerportion 244 of the protective cup support 14, and a second end 264 whichadjustably connects to the rear fastener 242 of the waistband 212. Thesecond end 264 of the third support member 222 may include a fastener266 which cooperates with the rear fastener 242 to adjustably secure thethird support member 222 to the waistband 212. The second end 264 of thethird support member 222 may be moved to different positions relative tothe waistband 212, wherein at each position, the fastener 266 engagesthe rear fastener 242 to adjustably tighten the protective cup support214 relative to the user's body.

The fourth support member 224 connects between an upper side portion 268of the protective cup support 214 the side fastener 240. The fourthsupport member 224 includes a first end 270 which connects to the upperside portion 268 of the protective cup support 214, and a second end 272which adjustably connects to the side fastener 240 of the waistband 212.The second end 272 of the fourth support member 224 may include afastener 274 which cooperates with the side fastener 240 to adjustablysecure the fourth support member 224 to the waistband 212. The secondend 272 of the fourth support member 224 may be moved to differentpositions relative to the waistband 212, wherein at each position, thefastener 274 engages the side fastener 240 to adjustably tighten theprotective cup support 214 relative to the user's body.

The fifth support member 226 connects between an upper side portion 276of the protective cup support 214 and the side fastener 241. The fifthsupport member 226 includes a first end 278 which connects to the upperside portion 276 of the protective cup support 214, and a second end 280which adjustably connects to the side fastener 241 of the waistband 212.The second end 280 of the fifth support member 226 may include afastener 282 which cooperates with the side fastener 240 to adjustablysecure the fifth support member 226 to the waistband 212. The second end280 of the fifth support member 226 may be moved to different positionsrelative to the waistband 212, wherein at each position, the fastener282 engages the side fastener 241 to adjustably tighten the protectivecup support 214 relative to the user's body.

The first, second, third, fourth and fifth support members 218, 220,222, 224, 226 may each include an elongated component or strap made froma suitably resilient or elastic material. It should be appreciated thatthe suitably resilient or elastic material could include natural fiberssuch as cotton, linen or wool, synthetic fibers such as polyester,spandex or nylon, or various blends of natural and synthetic fibers suchas cotton and polyester or spandex and nylon. It should also beappreciated that the first, second, third, fourth and fifth supportmembers 218, 220, 222, 224, 226 may be made from any suitable materialadapted to maintain the position of the protective cup 16 relative tothe user's body when worn by that user.

Each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth support members 218,220, 222, 224, 226 may be adjustably connected or secured to thewaistband 212. The adjustable connections enable a user to adjust thetension applied to the user's body to help reduce any movement of theprotective cup support 214 and to increase the comfortabiltiy of thegarment 200.

It should be appreciated that a user may wear garment 200 over an innergarment, such as a compression shorts, and under an outer garment, suchas outer shorts. Because the first, second, third, fourth and fifthsupport members 218, 220, 222, 224, 226 attach or connect to theexterior of the waistband 212, the user may adjust the first, second,third, fourth and fifth support members 218, 220, 222, 224, 226 whilewearing the garment 200.

Referring now to FIG. 12, an example embodiment of garment 300, such asa jock or an athletic supporter, is illustrated. The garment 300includes similar elements as the garment 10 described above with respectto FIGS. 1 to 3. Those elements of garment 300 which are similar togarment 10 include like reference numerals. For example, the garment 300may include an annular support member or waistband 12 that encircles auser's waist. The waistband 12 may connect or attach to a protective cupsupport 14. The protective cup support 14 is configured to support, holdor otherwise secure a protective cup 16 relative to a user's body. Thegarment 300 may include a first support member 18, a second supportmember 20 and a third support member 22 which cooperate with thewaistband 12 to secure the protective cup support 14 relative to theuser.

In an example embodiment, the garment 300 may include one or moresupport members in addition to the support members 18, 20, 22 describedabove. For example, the garment 300 may include a fourth support member302 and a fifth support member 304. The fourth support member 302 mayconnect between the lower portion 44 of the protective cup support 14and the waistband 12. The fourth support member 302 includes a first end306 which may connect to the lower portion 44 of the protective cupsupport 14, and a second end 308 which may connect to the side region 27of the waistband 12. The second end 308 may connect to the rear region28 of the waistband 12, or to a section of the waistband 12 between theside and rear regions 27, 28. The fourth support member 302 maintainsthe lower portion 44 of the protective cup support 14 and the protectivecup 16 in a preferred position relative to the user's body. In anexample embodiment, the fourth support member 302 stabilizes theprotective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 in forward, backwardand vertical directions when the garment 300 is worn by the user.

The fifth support member 304 may connect between the lower portion 44 ofthe protective cup support 14 and the waistband 12. The fifth supportmember 304 includes a first end 310 which may connect to the lowerportion 44 of the protective cup support 14, and a second end 312 whichmay connect to the side region 26 of the waistband 12. The second end312 may connect to the rear region 28 of the waistband 12, or to asection of the waistband 12 between the side and rear regions 26, 28.The fifth support member 304 maintains the lower portion 44 of theprotective cup support 14 and the protective cup 16 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. In an example embodiment, thefifth support member 304 stabilizes the protective cup support 14 andthe protective cup 16 in forward, backward and vertical directions whenthe garment 300 is worn by the user.

It should be appreciated that the garment 300 may include any suitablenumber of additional support members, which may be connected between theprotective cup support 14 and the waistband 12. For example, sixth andseventh support members may connect the first and second side portions46, 48 of the protective cup support 14 to either the side regions 26,27 or the rear region 28 of the waistband 12.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an example embodiment of a garment 400 isillustrated. The garment 400 may include an annular support member 412that encircles a user's waist and is commonly referred to as awaistband. The waistband 412 may connect or attach to a protective cup416. The garment 400 includes a first support member 418, a secondsupport member 420 and a third support member 422 which cooperate withthe waistband 412 to secure the protective cup 416 relative to the user.Each of the first, second and third support members 418, 420, 422 has atleast one end connected to the protective cup 416.

In an example embodiment, the waistband 412 may include an annular bandof longitudinally elastic material which generally conforms to the waistof a user or person wearing the garment 400. The waistband 412 mayinclude a fabric covering coextensive with and stitched to the elasticmaterial. The waistband 412 may have a front region 424, side regions426, 427 and a rear region 428. The side regions 426 separate the frontregion 424 from the rear region 428. The front region 424 of thewaistband 412 may include a support member receiving aperture or opening430, which may be configured to receive the second support member 422therethrough, as described below in greater detail.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup 416 may include asubstantially convex protective cup body 432 shaped and sized to protecta user's groin. In an example embodiment, a pad or padded portion 434 ofa suitable thickness may extend along all or part of an edge or edgesurface of the body 432. The padded portion 434 may be bonded, adheredor otherwise connected to the edge of the body 432 in any suitablemanner. The thickness of the padded portion 434 creates separationbetween the body 432 and the user's groin, which may distribute theforce of an impact or pressure over a suitably large area of the user'sbody wherein the cup 416 is positioned. The padded portion 434 mayprevent the body 432 of the cup 416 from digging in, bruising orchaffing the user's body. In an example embodiment, the padded portion434 may be shaped and have the appropriate thickness to reduceirritation and injury to the user's groin or legs, where the paddedportion 434 is typically seated.

The body 432 of the protective cup 16 may include an upper area orportion 436, a lower area or portion 438, a first side area or portion440 and a second side area or portion 442. The lower portion 438 mayopposes the upper portion 436 along a vertical axis. The first sideportion 440 and the second side portion 442 extend between the upperportion 436 and the lower portion 438. In an example embodiment, thefirst and second side portions 440, 442 extend from the upper portion436, longitudinally oppose one another, and taper or narrow at the lowerportion 438.

The cup body 432 may include zero, one or more openings 444 formedtherein. The number of the openings 444 in the cup body 432 may reducethe weight of the protective cup 416. The number and positioning of theopenings 444 in the cup body 432 may increase the ventilation throughthe protective cup 416. The protective cup 416 may include one or morepadded layers, such as one or more padded layers 68 described above withrespect to FIGS. 6B and 6C, which cover the cup body 432.

The upper portion 436 of the protective cup 416 may define an apertureor opening 446 therein, which may be configured to receive a waistbandconnector 448 therethrough. The waistband connector 448 may extendthrough the opening 446 formed in the upper portion 436 of theprotective cup 416 and the opening 430 formed in the waistband 412. Thewaistband connector 448 may adjustably or fixedly connect the upperportion 436 of the protective cup 416 to the front region 424 of thewaistband 412. In an example embodiment, the waistband connector 448includes an annular band of resilient or elastic material. The waistbandconnector 448 may be a variety of suitable connectors, such as anadjustable band or any other connector configured to directly orindirectly connect the protective cup 416 to the waistband 412.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup 416 may directlyconnect to the front region 424 of the waistband 412. For example, thefront region 424 of the waistband 412 may include a first end connectedto at least one of the upper portion 436 and the first side portion 440of the protective cup 416 and a second end connected to at least one ofthe upper portion 436 and the second side portion 442 of the protectivecup 416. It should be also appreciated that the protective cup 416 maydirectly connect to the side regions 426, 427 of the waistband 412. Forexample, the side region 426 of the waistband 412 may include a firstend connected to at least one of the upper portion 436 and the firstside portion 440 of the protective cup 416 and the side region 427 ofthe waistband 412 may include a second end connected to at least one ofthe upper portion 436 and the second side portion 442 of the protectivecup 416.

The first side portion 440 of the protective cup 416 may define asupport member receiving aperture or opening 450 therein. The supportmember receiving opening 450 may be configured to receive the firstsupport member 418 therethrough. In an example embodiment, the firstsupport member 418 connects between the lower portion 438 and the firstside portion 440 of the protective cup 416. The first support member 418includes a first end 452, a body 454 and a second end 456. The body 454may extend between the first end 452 and the second end 456. The body454 may have a first fastener 458 stitched to, connected to, orotherwise formed integral with the body 454. The second end 456 may havea second fastener 460 stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formedintegral with the second end 456.

The first end 452 may connect to the lower portion 438 of the protectivecup 416. In an example embodiment, the first end 452 may be fixedlyconnected to the lower portion 438 of the protective cup 416. In anotherexample embodiment, the first end 452 may be adjustably connected to thelower portion 438 of the protective cup 416.

The second end 456 may connect to the side portion 440 by extendingthrough the support member receiving opening 450 formed in the sideportion 440 of the protective cup 416. In an example embodiment, thesecond end 456 may be fixedly connected to the side portion 440 of theprotective cup 416. In another example embodiment, the second end 456may be adjustably connected to the side portion 440 of the protectivecup 416. For example, the second fastener 460 may cooperate with thefirst fastener 458 to adjustably connect the second end 456 to the sideportion 440 of the protective cup 416. The second end 456 may be movedto different positions along the body 454, and secured thereto by thefasteners 458, 460, to change or adjust the position and fit of theprotective cup 416 relative to the user's body. The first support member418 is adapted to maintain the lower portion 438 and the side portion440 of the protective cup 416 in a preferred position relative to theuser's body. In an example embodiment, the first support member 418stabilizes the protective cup 416 in lateral or side-to-side directionswhen the garment 400 is worn by the user.

The second side portion 442 of the protective cup 416 may define asupport member receiving aperture or opening 462 therein. The supportmember receiving opening 462 may be configured to receive the secondsupport member 420 therethrough. In an example embodiment, the secondsupport member 420 connects between the lower portion 438 and the secondside portion 442 of the protective cup 416. The second support member420 includes a first end 464, a body 466 and a second end 468. The body466 may extend between the first end 464 and the second end 468. Thebody 466 may have a first fastener 470 stitched to, connected to, orotherwise formed integral with the body 466. The second end 468 may havea second fastener 472 stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formedintegral with the second end 468. It should be appreciated that FIG. 13shows an enlarged view of the body 466, the second end 468, the firstfastener 470 and the second fastener 472 from a reverse perspective forillustrative purposes.

The first end 464 may connect to the lower portion 438 of the protectivecup 416. In an example embodiment, the first end 464 may be fixedlyconnected to the lower portion 438 of the protective cup 416. In anotherexample embodiment, the first end 464 may be adjustably connected to thelower portion 438 of the protective cup 416.

The second end 468 may connect to the side portion 442 by extendingthrough the support member receiving opening 462 formed in the sideportion 442 of the protective cup 416. In an example embodiment, thesecond end 468 may be fixedly connected to the side portion 442 of theprotective cup 416. In another example embodiment, the second end 468may be adjustably connected to the side portion 442 of the protectivecup 416. For example, the second fastener 472 may cooperate with thefirst fastener 470 to adjustably connect the second end 468 to the sideportion 442 of the protective cup 416. The second end 468 may be movedto different positions along the body 466, and secured thereto by thefasteners 470, 472, to change or adjust the position and fit of theprotective cup 416 relative to the user's body. The second supportmember 420 is adapted to maintain the lower portion 438 and the sideportion 442 of the protective cup 416 in a preferred position relativeto the user's body. In an example embodiment, the second support member420 stabilizes the protective cup 416 in lateral or side-to-sidedirections when the garment 400 is worn by the user.

The lower portion 438 of the protective cup 416 may define a supportmember receiving aperture or opening 474 therein. The support memberreceiving opening 474 may be configured to receive any one of the firstsupport member 418, the second support member 420 and the third supportmember 422 therethrough. In an example embodiment, the third supportmember 422 connects between the lower portion 438 of the protective cup416 and the rear portion 428 of the waistband 412. The third supportmember 422 includes a first end 476, a body 478 and a second end 480.The body 478 may extend between the first end 476 and the second end480. The body 478 may have a first fastener 482 stitched to, connectedto, or otherwise formed integral with the body 478. The second end 480may have a second fastener 484 stitched to, connected to, or otherwiseformed integral with the second end 480.

The first end 476 may connect to the rear portion 428 of the waistband412. In an example embodiment, the first end 476 may be fixedlyconnected to the rear portion 428 of the waistband 412. In anotherexample embodiment, the first end 476 may be adjustably connected to therear portion 428 of the waistband 412. For example, the first end 476may extend through a support member receiving opening formed in the rearportion 428 of the waistband 412 and may fixedly or adjustably connectto the rear portion 428 of the waistband 412.

The second end 480 may connect to the lower portion 438 of theprotective cup 416 by extending through the support member receivingopening 474 formed in the lower portion 438 of the protective cup 416.The second fastener 484 may cooperate with the first fastener 482 toadjustably connect the second end 480 to the lower portion 438 of theprotective cup 416. The second end 480 may be moved to differentpositions along the body 478, and secured thereto by the fasteners 482,484, to change or adjust the position and fit of the protective cup 416relative to the user's body. The third support member 422 is adapted tomaintain the lower portion 438 of the protective cup 416 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. In an example embodiment, thethird support member 422 stabilizes the protective cup 416 in forward,backward and vertical directions when the garment 400 is worn by theuser.

In an example embodiment, the fasteners 458, 460, 472, 474, 482, 484 maybe stitched to, connected to, or otherwise formed integral with thesecond ends 456, 468, 480 of the first, second and third support members418, 420, 422. For example, the second end 456 may include the fasteners458, 460 so that the second end 456 extends through the opening 450 andadjustably connects to itself via the fasteners 458, 460. The fasteners458, 460, 472, 474, 482, 484 may be any variety of suitable fastener,such as hook and loop type fasteners. It should be appreciated that thefasteners 458, 460, 472, 474, 482, 484 may be sized and positioned toenable adjustability of the first, second and third support members 418,420, 422 to different adjustable positions.

In an example embodiment, the openings 446, 450, 462, 474 formed in theprotective cup 416 may each be replaced by a flange or extensionconnected to the protective cup 416. Each flange may connect to theprotective cup 416 by stitching, molding, or any other suitableconnection. Each flange may define an opening therein which may receiveat least one of the first, second and third support members 418, 420,422 therethrough. The ends 456, 468, 480 of the first, second, and thirdsupport members 418, 420, 422 may each fixedly or adjustably connect toone of the flanges. In an example embodiment, the flanges may indirectlyconnect the first, second and third support members 418, 420, 422 to theprotective cup 416.

In an example embodiment, the end 452 of the first support member 418,the end 464 of the second support member 420 may be adjustable todifferent positions to maintain the lower portion 438 of the protectivecup 416 in a preferred position and reduce movement thereof in forward,backward and vertical directions. In an example embodiment, the end 476of the third support member 422 may be adjustable to different positionsto maintain the lower portion 438 of the protective cup 416 in apreferred position and reduce movement thereof in forward, backward andvertical directions.

In an example embodiment, the first, second and third support members418, 420, 422 may each include an elongated component or strap made froma suitably resilient or elastic material. It should be appreciated thatthe suitably resilient or elastic material may include natural fiberssuch as cotton, linen or wool, synthetic fibers such as polyester,spandex or nylon, or various blends of natural and synthetic fibers suchas cotton and polyester or spandex and nylon. The resilient or elasticmaterial may include a fabric having any suitable weave or pattern. Thefirst, second, third support members 418, 420, 422 may each be formedfrom a non-elastic material, such as leather or any other suitableextensible material. It should be appreciated that the waistband 412,the protective cup support 414, the first support member 418, the secondsupport member 420 and the third support member 422 may be made from anystretchable material, such as elastic material or extensible material,adapted to maintain the position of the protective cup 416 relative tothe user's body when worn by that user.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 to 17, an example embodiment of a garment 500is illustrated. Garment 500 may be referred to as an inner garment or acompression short. The garment 500 may include a short member 510connected to a waistband 512 by stitching, by having portions integralwith the waistband 512, or by any suitable connection or fastener. Thegarment 500 may also include a protective cup support 514 for supportinga protective cup 516, a first support member 518, a second supportmember 520 and a third support member 522. The waistband 512, theprotective cup support 514, the first support member 518, the secondsupport member 520 and the third support member 522 may be substantiallysimilar to the waistband 12, the protective cup support 14, the firstsupport member 18, the second support member 20 and the third supportmember 22 described above with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3, 4A and 4B.

The short member 510 may include a plurality of interior portionsconnected to the waistband 512, the protective cup support 514, thefirst support member 518, the second support member 520 and the thirdsupport member 522 by stitching or any other suitable connection. In anexample embodiment, the short member 510 includes a front portion 524, arear portion 526 and respective side portions 528, 530 interconnectingthe front portion 524 and the rear portion 526. The front portion 524,the side portion 528 and the rear portion 526 cooperate to form a firstleg portion 532. The front portion 524, the side portion 530 and therear portion 526 cooperate to form a second leg portion 534. The firstand second leg portions 532, 534 are separated from one another by aninseam 536. The front portion 524, the rear portion 526, the sideportions 528, 530, and the leg portions 532, 534 each have an interiorsurface which is configured to contact the user's body when the garment500 is worn by the user, and an exterior surface which opposes theinterior surface.

It should be appreciated that the inseam 536 may have different lengths,which enables the leg portions 532, 534 to have different lengths. In anexample embodiment, the leg portions 532, 534 and the inseam 536 may besized to form leg openings which extend to a portion of the user's leg(e.g., the user's thigh). For example, the inseam 536 may be sized sothat when a user wears the garment 500, the leg portions 532, 534 extendto a portion of the user's legs above the user's knees. In anotherexample, the inseam 536 may be sized so that when a user wears thegarment 500, the leg portions 532, 534 extend to a portion of the user'sleg below the user's knees. For example, when a user wears the garment500, the inseam 536 may be sized so that the leg portions 532, 534extend to a portion of the user's legs at or below the user's ankles.

In an example embodiment, the first leg portion 532 includes aprotective pad support 538 disposed on the exterior surface thereof. Theprotective pad support 538 may define an interior space that isconfigured to receive a leg pad 542 which may be inserted in and removedfrom the protective pad support 538. The protective pad support 538 mayinclude an upper exterior portion 544 which overlaps a lower exteriorportion 546 by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch, about two andone-half centimeters or any other suitable amount) to define aprotective pad receiving aperture 548. In an example embodiment, thelower exterior portion 546 may overlap the upper exterior portion 544 bya designated amount to define the protective pad receiving aperture 548.The upper exterior portion 544 may be separable from the lower exteriorportion 546 to access the interior space of the protective pad support538 through the protective pad receiving aperture 548. The aperture 548may have a width that is sized to accommodate a width of the leg pad 542such that the leg pad 542 may be inserted through the protective padreceiving aperture 548 and received by the interior space of theprotective pad support 538. For example, a user may access the interiorspace (e.g., to position the leg pad 542) through the protective padreceiving aperture 548 of the protective pad support 538.

In an example embodiment, the second leg portion 534 includes aprotective pad support 540 disposed on the exterior surface thereof. Theprotective pad support 540 may be substantially similar to theprotective pad support 538 of the first leg portion 532. The protectivepad support 540 may define an interior space that is configured toreceive a leg pad 542 which may be inserted in and removed from theprotective pad support 540. The protective pad support 540 may includean upper exterior portion 550 which overlaps a lower exterior portion552 by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch, about two and one-halfcentimeters or any other suitable amount) to define a protective padreceiving aperture 554. In an example embodiment, the lower exteriorportion 552 may overlap the upper exterior portion 550 by a designatedamount to define the protective pad receiving aperture 554. The upperexterior portion 550 may be separable from the lower exterior portion552 to access the interior space of the protective pad support 540through the protective pad receiving aperture 554. The aperture 554 mayhave a width that is sized to accommodate a width of the leg pad 542such that the leg pad 542 may be inserted through the protective padreceiving aperture 554 and received by the interior space of theprotective pad support 540. For example, a user may access the interiorspace (e.g., to position the leg pad 542) through the protective padreceiving aperture 554 of the protective pad support 540.

The protective pad supports 538, 540 of the first and second legportions 532, 534 may each be configured to receive separate leg pads542. The leg pads 542 may be inserted in and removed from the protectivepad supports 538, 540. The leg pad 542 may be shaped to conform to theinterior space defined by each protective pad support 538, 540. The legpad 542 may include any suitable material or padding, such as rubber,foam or any other suitable material which absorbs, disperses or reducesimpact. For example, the leg pad 542 may include a first layer made of afirst material and a second layer made of a second material. In anexample embodiment, the protective pad supports 538, 540 and the legpads 542 are positioned on the short member 510 and shaped for specificactivities.

In an example embodiment, the front portion 524 of the short member 510may include a protective pad support 556 disposed on the exteriorsurface thereof. The protective pad support 556 may be substantiallysimilar to the protective pad supports 538, 540 of the leg portions 532,534. The protective pad support 556 may define an interior space that isconfigured to receive a groin region pad 558 which may be inserted intoand removed from the protective pad support 556. The protective padsupport 556 may include an upper exterior portion 560 which overlaps alower exterior portion 562 by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch,about two and one-half centimeters or any other suitable amount) todefine a protective pad receiving aperture 564. In an exampleembodiment, the lower exterior portion 562 may overlap the upperexterior portion 560 by a designated amount to define the protective padreceiving aperture 564. The upper exterior portion 560 may be separablefrom the lower exterior portion 562 to access the interior space of theprotective pad support 556 through the protective pad receiving aperture564. The aperture 564 may have a width that is sized to accommodate awidth of the groin region pad 558 such that the groin region pad 558 maybe inserted through the protective pad receiving aperture 564 andreceived by the interior space of the protective pad support 556. Forexample, a user may access the interior space (e.g., to position thegroin region pad 558) through the protective pad receiving aperture 564of the protective pad support 556.

The protective pad support 556 is configured to receive the groin regionpad 558. The groin region pad 558 may be inserted in and removed fromthe protective pad support 556. The groin region pad 558 may be shapedto conform to the interior space defined by the protective pad support556. The groin region pad 558 may include any suitable material orpadding, such as rubber, foam or any other suitable material whichabsorbs, disperses or reduces impact. For example, the groin region pad558 may include a first layer made of a first material and a secondlayer made of a second material. In an example embodiment, theprotective pad support 556 and the groin region pad 558 are positionedon the short member 510 and shaped for specific activities.

It should be appreciated that the protective pad support 556 and theprotective pad supports 538, 540 may fixedly support the groin regionpad 558 and the leg pads 542, respectively. For example, the groinregion pad 558 and the leg pads 542 may be stitched or enclosed in anysuitable manner within the protective pad support 556 and the protectivepad supports 538, 540.

In an example embodiment, the leg portions 532, 534 may include one ormore protective pad supports configured to receive protective pads toprotect the user's buttocks, hips, thighs, shins or knees. Theprotective pad supports and the protective pads for protecting theuser's buttocks, hips, thighs, shins or knees may be substantiallysimilar to the protective pad supports 538, 540, 556, the leg pads 542and the groin region pad 558 described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 to 16, the waistband 512 includes a brandingregion 568, a front region 570, side regions 572, 574 and a rear region576. Each of the side regions 572, 574 separate the front region 570from the rear region 576. The front, side and rear regions 570, 572,574, 576 of the waistband 512 may align with, and be connected to, thefront, side and rear portions 524, 526, 528, 530 of the garment 500 bystitching or any other suitable connection.

In an example embodiment, the branding region 568 may be configured todisplay branding or marketing information, such as an advertisement orsponsorship. For example, the branding or marketing information may beattached to, printed on, stitched to, or otherwise coupled with thebranding region 568 in any suitable manner. The branding region 568 maybe positioned along any one, a plurality of, or each of the front region570, the side regions 572, 574, and the rear region 576.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 514 includes afront panel 578 which may connect to a rear panel 580 by stitching orany other suitable manner. The front panel 578 and the rear panel 580are connected to, and cooperate with, one another to form an interiorspace or pocket 582. The interior space 582 is configured to receive orotherwise secure the protective cup 516, which may be substantiallysimilar to the protective cup 16.

The rear panel 580 includes a first portion 584 which overlaps a secondportion 586 by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch, about two andone-half centimeters or any other suitable amount). The first portion584 is separable from the second portion 586 to form an aperture or slot588 which provides access to the interior space 582. The aperture 588may have a width that is sized to accommodate a width of a protectivecup such that the protective cup may be inserted through the aperture588 and received by the interior space 582. For example, a user mayaccess the interior space 582 (e.g., to position the protective cup)through the aperture 588 on the rear panel 580 of the protective cupsupport 514. The protective cup support 514 may include a closure memberto close the protective cup receiving aperture 588 (e.g., to fasten thefirst portion 584 to the second portion 586), such as a snap, a button,a zipper or any other suitable separable fasteners, such as hook andloop type fasteners.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup support 514 may besized and shaped to substantially conform to the protective cup 516. Inan example embodiment, the protective cup support 514 is sized toaccommodate the protective cup 516 and to reduce the ability orlikelihood of the cup 516 shifting or moving within the interior space582 of the protective cup support 514. For example, when the protectivecup 516 is received by the interior space 582, the protective cupsupport 514 is configured such that the rear panel 580 supports a rearportion of the protective cup 516, the first portion 584 supports anupper, front portion of the protective cup 516, the second portion 586supports a lower, front portion of the protective cup 516, and thewaistband 512, the front panel 578 and the rear panel 580 support anupper portion of the protective cup 516.

In an example embodiment, the front panel 578 and the rear panel 580connect together to form an upper area or portion 590, a lower area orportion 592, a first side area or portion 594 and a second side area orportion 596 of the protective cup support 514. The upper portion 590 mayconnect to the front region 570 of the waistband 512 by stitching, byhaving portions integral with the waistband 512, or with any suitableconnection or fastener. For example, the upper portion 590 of the frontand rear panels 578, 580 may be connected to, and cooperate with, thefront region 570 of the waistband to form the interior space or pocket582. The first side portion 594 and the second side portion 596 extendbetween the upper portion 590 and the lower portion 592. The first andsecond side portions 594, 596 may extend from the upper portion 590,longitudinally oppose one another, and taper or narrow at the lowerportion 592. The lower portion 592 may be suspended between the frontportion 524, the rear portion 526 and the side portions 528, 530 of thegarment 500.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 514 may bepositioned between the front portion 524, the rear portion 526 and theside portions 528, 530 to substantially align with the protective padsupport 556 disposed on the exterior surface of the front portion 524.The protective cup support 514 may be positioned relative to theprotective pad support 556 and the groin region pad 558 so that thegroin region pad 558 may absorb, disperse or reduce the amount of forceor speed of an impact to the user's groin region.

In an example embodiment, the upper portion 590 connects to the frontregion 570 of the waistband 512 with stitching, by having portionsintegral with the waistband 512, or with any suitable connection orfastener. The side portions 594, 596 may each connect to the interiorsurface of the front portion 524 of the garment 500 with stitching, byhaving portions integral with the front portion 524, or with anysuitable connection or fastener. The side portions 594, 596 may connectto the interior surface of the front portion 524 to maintain theprotective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. For example, the side portions594, 596 may stabilize the protective cup support 514 and the protectivecup 516 in lateral or side-to-side directions.

In an example embodiment, the lower portion 592 and the side portions594, 596 each connect to the interior surface of the front portion 524of the garment 500 with stitching, by having portions integral with thefront portion 524, or with any suitable connection or fastener. Thelower portion 592 and the side portions 594, 596 may connect to theinterior surface of the front portion 524 to maintain the protective cupsupport 514 and the protective cup 516 in a preferred position relativeto the user's body. For example, the lower portion 592 may stabilize theprotective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 in forward,backward and vertical directions and the side portions 594, 596 maystabilize the protective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 inlateral or side-to-side directions.

In an example embodiment, the upper portion 590 connects to the frontregion 570 of the waistband 512 with stitching, by having portionsintegral with the waistband 512, or with any suitable connection orfastener. The lower portion 592 connects to the interior surfaces of thefront and rear portions 524, 526 of the garment 500 with stitching, byhaving portions integral with the front portion 524, or with anysuitable connection or fastener. The lower portion 592 may connect tothe interior surfaces of the front and rear portions 524, 526 tomaintain the protective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 in apreferred position relative to the user's body. For example, the lowerportion 592 may stabilize the protective cup support 514 and theprotective cup 516 in forward, backward and vertical directions.

In an example embodiment, the first support member 518 connects betweenthe lower portion 592 and the first side portion 594 of the protectivecup support 514. The first support member 518 includes a first end 600which may connect to the lower portion 592 of the protective cup support514, and a second end 602 which may connect to the first side portion594 of the protective cup support 514. The first support member 518 isadapted to maintain the lower portion 592 and the side portion 594 ofthe protective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. In an example embodiment, thefirst support member 518 stabilizes the protective cup support 514 andthe protective cup 516 in lateral or side-to-side directions when thegarment 500 is worn by the user.

The second support member 520 connects between the lower portion 592 andthe second side portion 596 of the protective cup support 514. Thesecond support member 520 includes a first end 604 which connects to thelower portion 592 of the protective cup support 514, and a second end606 which connects to the second side portion 596 of the protective cupsupport 514. The second support member 520 maintains the lower portion592 and the side portion 596 of the protective cup support 514 and theprotective cup 516 in a preferred position relative to the user's body.In an example embodiment, the second support member 520 stabilizes theprotective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 in lateral orside-to-side directions when the garment 500 is worn by the user.

The third support member 522 connects between the lower portion 592 ofthe protective cup support 514 and the waistband 512. The third supportmember 522 includes a first end 608 which connects to the lower portion592 of the protective cup support 514, and a second end 610 whichconnects to the rear portion 576 of the waistband 512. The third supportmember 522 maintains the lower portion 592 of the protective cup support514 and the protective cup 516 in a preferred position relative to theuser's body. In an example embodiment, the third support member 522stabilizes the protective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 inforward, backward and vertical directions when the garment 500 is wornby the user.

The first end 600 of the first support member 518, the first end 604 ofthe second support member 520 and the first end 608 of the third supportmember 522 may each connect to the lower portion 592 of the protectivecup support 514 at a same location or at a substantially same location.The first end 600 of the first support member 518, the first end 604 ofthe second support member 520 and the first end 608 of the third supportmember 522 may each connect to the lower portion 592 of the protectivecup support 514 at different locations (e.g., for the ends 600, 604, 608to have a spaced relationship with one another at the lower portion592).

The first end 600 of the first support member 518, the first end 604 ofthe second support member 520 and the ends 608, 610 of the third supportmember 522 may include an elastic component having sufficient elastictension to maintain the lower portion 592 of the protective cup support514 and the protective cup 516 in a preferred position and reducemovement of the support 514 and the cup 516 in forward, backward,lateral and vertical directions. The ends 602, 606 of the first andsecond support members 518, 520 may include an elastic component havingsufficient elastic tension to maintain the side portions 594, 596 of theprotective cup support 514 and the protective cup 516 in a preferredposition and reduce movement of the support 514 and the cup 516 inlateral or side-to-side directions.

It should be appreciated that the waistband 512, the protective cupsupport 514, the first support member 518, the second support member 520and the third support member 522 may be made from similar materials asthe waistband 12, the protective cup support 14, the first supportmember 18, the second support member 20 and the third support member 22described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 to 21, an example embodiment of garment 700 isillustrated. The garment 700 may be referred to as an outer garment,such as athletic shorts or outer shorts. The garment 700 may include ashort member 702 connected to an exterior waistband portion 704 withstitching, by having portions integral with the waistband portion 704,or with any suitable connection or fastener. The waistband portion 704may include a fastening system 706 to hold the exterior waistbandportion 704 and the short member 702 about a user's waist or trunk.

The garment 700 may be worn by a user alone, or in combination with thegarment 100. For example, the user may wear the garments 100, 700 duringcertain activities such as mixed martial arts, boxing, football or anyother activity where the user is susceptible or vulnerable to impact tothe user's genital area. The exterior waistband portion 704 of thegarment 700 may substantially align with the waistband 112 of thegarment 100 and the short member 702 of the garment 700 maysubstantially align with the short member 110 of the garment 100.

The short member 702 may be formed from one or more pieces of fabric ormaterial to include a front section 708, a rear section 710, a firstside section 712, a second side section 714 and an inseam section 716.The front section 708 and the rear section 710 may connect to respectiveside sections 712, 714 and inseam section 716 by stitching or any othersuitable manner. The front section 708, the rear section 710, the firstside section 712 and the inseam section 716 cooperate to form a firstleg portion 718 of the short member 702. The front section 708, the rearsection 710, the second side section 714 and the inseam section 716cooperate to form a second leg portion 720 of the short member 702.

In an example embodiment, the front, rear or side sections 708, 710,712, 714 may include one or more pockets 722. Each pocket 722 mayinclude a closure member 724, such as a zipper or any other suitablefastener, to releasably close the pocket 722. In an example embodiment,the pocket 722 is formed from a water-resistant or waterproof materialand shaped to hold a mouth guard, a wallet, keys or any other suitablepersonal possession of the user.

The fabric or material which forms the short member 702 may includenatural fibers such as cotton, linen or wool, synthetic fibers such aspolyester, spandex or nylon, or various blends of natural and syntheticfibers such as cotton and polyester or spandex and nylon. It should beappreciated that the short member 702 could be made from any suitablematerial wearable by a user. For example, the front section 708 and therear section 710 may be formed from a first fabric or material, such asa resilient material, and the side sections 712, 714 and the inseamsection 716 may be formed from a second fabric or material, such as anelastic material. In an example embodiment, the resilient material maybe a non-elastic material, a water-resistant material, a waterproofmaterial, a fire-resistant material, a flame proof material, awear-resistant material, a wearproof material, a tear-resistantmaterial, or a tearproof material. The fabric or material which formsthe short member 702 may include a specific texture, such as a pluralityof protrusions extending therefrom.

In an example embodiment, the exterior waistband portion 704 includes achannel or opening 730 which extends through an inner portion thereof.The channel 730 is configured to receive a longitudinally extendingclosure member 732, such as a drawstring. The closure member 732 has afirst end 734 and a second end 736. The first end 734 of the closuremember 732 exits the inner portion of the exterior waistband portion 704through an aperture or slot 738. The second end 736 of the closuremember 732 exits the inner portion of the exterior waistband portion 704through an aperture or slot 740. The apertures 738, 740 may bepositioned at a front portion of the exterior waistband portion 704 toenable a user to pull the first and second ends 734, 736 in oppositedirections to tighten the closure member 732 about the user's waist ortrunk.

In an example embodiment, the exterior waistband portion 704 includes anupwardly extending section 744 at the front portion 742 thereof. Theupwardly extending section 744 is configured to move, such as byfolding, relative to the exterior waistband portion 704. The upwardlyextending section 744 includes a first fastener 746 which connects tothe upwardly extending section 744 by stitching or any other suitablemanner. The exterior waistband portion 704 includes a second fastener748 which connects to the exterior waistband portion 704 by stitching orany other suitable manner. The second fastener 748 is configured to mateor cooperate with the first fastener 746 when the upwardly extendingsection 744 is moved or folded into contact the exterior waistbandportion 704. In an example embodiment, after the user tightens theclosure member 732 by pulling the first and second ends 734, 736 inopposite directions, the user may move the upwardly extending section744 into contact the exterior waistband portion 704 to conceal the firstand second ends 734, 736.

The first end 734 of the closure member 732 may include a fastener 750which connects to the first end 734 by stitching or any other suitablemanner. The second end 736 of the closure member 732 may include afastener 752 which connects to the second end 736 by stitching or anyother suitable manner. Fasteners 750, 752 may be configured to mate orcooperate with the fastener 748 positioned along the exterior waistbandportion 704. In an example embodiment, the fasteners 750, 752 areconfigured to mate with the fastener 748 to hold the first and secondends 734, 736 in an adjustable position desired by the user.

In an example embodiment, after the user tightens the closure member 732by pulling the first and second ends 734, 736 in opposite directions,the first end 734 of the closure member 732 may overlap with the secondend 736 of the closure member 732 before the user moves the upwardlyextending section 744 into contact the exterior waistband portion 704 toconceal the first and second ends 734, 736. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 20, the slots 738, 740 may be offset from one another so thatthe first end 734 and the second end 736 extend through the channel 730and exit the slots 738, 740 with an offset relationship to one another.In an example embodiment, the first end 734 of the closure member 732may coextend with, extend adjacent to, or abut with the second end 736of the closure member 732 before the user moves the upwardly extendingsection 744 into contact the exterior waistband portion 704 to concealthe first and second ends 734, 736.

The fastening system 706 may include the closure member 732 and thefasteners 746, 748, 750, 752. In an example embodiment, the useroperates the fastening system 706 by pulling the first and second ends734, 736 in opposite directions. By pulling the first and second ends734, 736 in opposite directions, the user causes the closure member 732to tighten around that user's waist or trunk. The fasteners 748, 750,752 enable the user to secure the first and second ends 734, 736 to theexterior waistband portion 704 in the tightened position desired by theuser. After tightening the fastening system 706, the user moves theupwardly extending section 744 into contact the exterior waistbandportion 704 to conceal the first and second ends 734, 736.

In an example embodiment, the fastener 746 of the upwardly extendingsection 744, the fastener 750 of the first end 734 and the fastener 752of the second end 736 each includes a hook type fastener and thefastener 748 positioned along the exterior waistband portion 704includes a loop type fastener. The fastener 746 of the upwardlyextending section 744, the fastener 750 of the first end 734 and thefastener 752 of the second end 736 each may include a loop type fastenerand the fastener 748 positioned along the exterior waistband portion 704may include a hook type fastener. It should be appreciated that thefasteners 746, 748, 750, 752 may be a variety of suitable fasteners,such as snaps, buttons, zippers or other suitable separable fasteners.

In an example embodiment, the upwardly extending section 744 of theexterior waistband portion 704 or any other portion of the exteriorwaistband portion 704 may be configured to display branding or marketinginformation, such as an advertisement or sponsorship. For example, thebranding or marketing information may be attached to, printed on,stitched to, or otherwise coupled with a branding area 754 of theupwardly extending section 744. When the user moves or folds theupwardly extending section 744 into contact the exterior waistbandportion 704, as described above, the branding or marketing informationdisplayed by the branding area 754 is visible. The branding area 754 maybe positioned at any position on the short member 702 (e.g., the frontsection 708, the rear section 710, the first side section 712, thesecond side section 714 or the inseam section 716) or the exteriorwaistband portion 704 where the branding or marketing information of thebranding area 754 may be visible.

Referring now to FIG. 22, an example embodiment of a fastening system760 is illustrated. The fastening system 760 may be used with theexterior waistband portion 704 and closure member 732 described above.The fastening system 760 may include a fastener or connector 762 thatreleasably secures the first and second ends 734, 736 of the closuremember 732. The fastener 762 may engage the first and second ends 734,736 to maintain the ends 734, 736 in a preferred position. The fastener762 may be movable to different positions along the first and secondends 734, 736 to adjustably tighten the closure member 732 about theuser's waist or trunk.

In an example embodiment, the fastener 762 includes an actuator 764,such as a button, which may be actuated to enable movement of thefastener 762. The actuator 764 may be movable between a lock position,wherein the ends 734, 736 are held in a preferred position relative tothe fastener 762 and an unlock position, wherein the ends 734, 736 maybe moved relative to the fastener 762.

Referring now to FIGS. 23A and 23B, an example embodiment of a fasteningsystem 780 is illustrated. The fastening system 780 may connect to thefront section 708 of the short member 702 described above. The fasteningsystem 780 may include a fly fastener or connector 782 that releasablysecures a first fly portion 784 of the short member 702 to a second flyportion 786 of the short member 702. The fastening system 780 may alsoinclude an adjustable waistband fastener or connector 788 thatreleasably secures a first waistband portion 790 to a second waistbandportion 792. The adjustable waistband fastener 788 may be a variety ofsuitable fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, zippers, or any othersuitable separable fasteners, such as hook and loop type fasteners. Itshould be appreciated that the adjustable waistband fastener 788 may bepositioned such that the fastening system 780 connects to the rearsection 710, the first side section 712 or a second side section 714 ofthe short member 702 described above.

A branding area 794 may be positioned adjacent to the waistband fastener788. In an example embodiment, the branding area 794 connects to thewaistband portion 792 with stitching or any other suitable connection.The branding area 794 may include branding or marketing informationsimilar to the branding area 754 described above with respect to FIGS.18 to 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 24, 25, 26A and 26B, an example embodiment of agarment 800, such as a jock or an athletic supporter, is illustrated.The garment 800 includes an annular support member 812 that encircles auser's waist and is commonly referred to as a waistband. The waistband812 may connect or attach to a protective cup support 814. Theprotective cup support 814 is configured to support, hold or otherwisesecure a protective cup 816 relative to a user's body. For example, theprotective cup 816 may cover or encapsulate the user's genitals. Thegarment 800 includes a first support member 818, a second support member820, a third support member 822 and a fourth support member 806 whichcooperate with the waistband 812 to secure the protective cup support814 relative to the user.

In an example embodiment, the waistband 812 has a front region 824, sideregions 826, 827 and a rear region 828. The side regions 826, 827separate the front region 824 from the rear region 828. For example, thewaistband 812 may include an annular band of longitudinally elasticmaterial which generally conforms to the waist of a user or personwearing the garment 800. The waistband 812 may include a fabric coveringcoextensive with and stitched to the elastic material.

In an example embodiment, the waistband 812 includes a suitablyresilient or elastic material including natural fibers such as cotton,linen or wool, synthetic fibers such as polyester, spandex or nylon, orvarious blends of natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton andpolyester or spandex and nylon. The resilient or elastic material mayinclude a fabric having any suitable weave or pattern. It should beappreciated that the waistband 812 may be formed from a non-elasticmaterial, such as leather, or may be used in combination with adrawstring, a belt or any other suitable closure member to maintain thegarment 800 in place on the waist of the user. In an example embodiment,the waistband 812 may include a fastening system having one or moreclosure members which maintain the garment 800 in position relative tothe user's waist.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 814 includes afront panel 830 which may connect to a rear panel 832 by stitching orany other suitable manner. The front panel 830 and the rear panel 832are connected to, and cooperate with, one another to form an interiorspace or pocket 834. The interior space 834 is configured to receive theprotective cup 816.

In an example embodiment, the front panel 830 includes a first portion836 which overlaps a second portion 838 by a designated amount (e.g.,about one inch, about two and one-half centimeters or any other suitableamount). The first portion 836 is separable from the second portion 838to form an aperture or slot 840 which provides access to the interiorspace 834. As illustrated, the aperture 840 has a width that is sized toaccommodate a width of the protective cup 816 such that the protectivecup 816 may be inserted through the aperture 840 and received by theinterior space 834.

It should be appreciated that the aperture 840 may be formed by the rearpanel 832 of the protective cup support 814, rather than the front panel830 of the protective cup support 814. For example, the rear panel 832may include overlapping portions which cooperate to define an aperturehaving access to the interior space 834. In this example, the user mayaccess the interior space 834 (e.g., to position the protective cup 816)through the aperture on the rear panel 832 of the protective cup support814.

In an example embodiment, the front panel 830 and the rear panel 832 maybe connected together to form an upper area or portion 842, a lower areaor portion 844, a first side area or portion 846 and a second side areaor portion 848. The upper portion 842 connects to the front region 824of the waistband. The upper portion 842 may attach or connect to thefront region 824 of the waistband 12 by stitching, or by fabric portionsintegral to the waistband 812. The lower portion 844 opposes the upperportion 842 along a vertical axis. The first side portion 846 and thesecond side portion 848 extend between the upper portion 842 and thelower portion 844. In an example embodiment, the first and second sideportions 846, 848 extend from the upper portion 842, longitudinallyoppose one another, and taper or narrow at the lower portion 844.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup support 814 may besized and shaped to substantially conform to the protective cup 816. Inan example embodiment, the protective cup support 814 is sized toaccommodate the protective cup 816 and to reduce the ability orlikelihood of the cup 816 shifting or moving within the interior space834 of the protective cup support 814. For example, when the protectivecup 816 is received by the interior space 834, the protective cupsupport 814 is configured such that the rear panel 832 supports a rearportion of the protective cup 816, the first portion 836 supports anupper, front portion of the protective cup 816, the second portion 838supports a lower, front portion of the protective cup 816, and thewaistband 812, the front panel 830 and the rear panel 832 support anupper portion of the protective cup 816.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 814 includes aprotective cup receiving opening formed between the front panel 830 andthe rear panel 832 to define the interior space 834 instead of theaperture 840 formed by overlapping portions 836, 838 of the front panel830. The protective cup support 814 may include a closure member toclose the protective cup receiving opening (e.g., to fasten the frontpanel to the rear panel), such as a snap, a button, a zipper or anyother suitable separable fasteners, such as hook and loop typefasteners.

The protective cup support 814 may include a suitably resilient orelastic material including natural fibers such as cotton, linen or wool,synthetic fibers such as polyester, spandex or nylon, or various blendsof natural and synthetic fibers such as cotton and polyester or spandexand nylon. It should be appreciated that the protective cup support 814could be made from any suitable material adapted to maintain theposition of the protective cup 816 relative to the user's body when wornby that user.

In an example embodiment, the first support member 818 connects betweenthe lower portion 844 and the first side portion 846 of the protectivecup support 814. The first support member 818 includes a first end 850which connects to the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support814, and a second end 852 which connects to the first side portion 846of the protective cup support 814. The first support member 818 isadapted to maintain the lower portion 844 and the side portion 846 ofthe protective cup support 814 and the protective cup 816 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. In an example embodiment, thefirst support member 818 stabilizes the protective cup support 814 andthe protective cup 816 in lateral or side-to-side directions when thegarment 800 is worn by the user.

The second support member 820 connects between the lower portion 844 andthe second side portion 848 of the protective cup support 814. Thesecond support member 820 includes a first end 854 which connects to thelower portion 84 of the protective cup support 814, and a second end 856which connects to the second side portion 848 of the protective cupsupport 814. The second support member 820 maintains the lower portion844 and the side portion 848 of the protective cup support 814 and theprotective cup 816 in a preferred position relative to the user's body.In an example embodiment, the second support member 820 stabilizes theprotective cup support 814 and the protective cup 816 in lateral orside-to-side directions when the garment 800 is worn by the user.

The third support member 822 connects between the lower portion 844 ofthe protective cup support 814 and the waistband 812. The third supportmember 822 includes a first end 858 which connects to the lower portion844 of the protective cup support 814, and a second end 860 whichconnects to the rear portion 828 of the waistband 812. The third supportmember 822 maintains the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support814 and the protective cup 816 in a preferred position relative to theuser's body. In an example embodiment, the third support member 822stabilizes the protective cup support 814 and the protective cup 816 inforward, backward and vertical directions when the garment 800 is wornby the user.

The fourth support member 806 connects between the lower portion 844 ofthe protective cup support 814 and the waistband 812. The fourth supportmember 806 includes a first end 808 which connects to the lower portion844 of the protective cup support 814, and a second end 810 whichconnects to the rear portion 828 of the waistband 812. The fourthsupport member 806 maintains the lower portion 844 of the protective cupsupport 814 and the protective cup 816 in a preferred position relativeto the user's body. In an example embodiment, the fourth support member806 stabilizes the protective cup support 814 and the protective cup 816in forward, backward and vertical directions when the garment 10 is wornby the user.

In an example embodiment, the third support member 822 connects to therear portion 828 of the waistband 812 at a first connection point andthe fourth support member 806 connects to the rear portion 828 of thewaistband 812 at a second connection point. The first and secondconnection points may be spaced from one another by a designateddistance, e.g., about one-half inch (or about one and one-quartercentimeters), about one inch (or about two and one-half centimeters),about six inches (or about fifteen centimeters), or any other suitabledistance. It should be appreciated that the first and second connectionpoints may be spaced from one another by any suitable distance. Forexample, the third and fourth support members 822, 806 may connect tothe rear portion 828 of the waistband 812 such that the first and secondconnection points abut one another. If the first and second connectionpoints abut one another (i.e., with no space therebetween), the thirdand fourth support members 822, 806 extend substantially adjacent to oneanother between the waistband 812 and the protective cup support 814.

The first end 850 of the first support member 818, the first end 854 ofthe second support member 820, the first end 858 of the third supportmember 822, and the first end 808 of the fourth support member 806 mayeach connect to the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support 814at a same location or at a substantially same location. The first end850 of the first support member 818, the first end 854 of the secondsupport member 820, the first end 858 of the third support member 822,and the first end 808 of the fourth support member 806 may each connectto the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support 814 at differentlocations (e.g., for the ends 850, 854, 858, 808 to have a spacedrelationship with one another at the lower portion 844).

It should be appreciated that the first end 850 of the first supportmember 818, the first end 854 of the second support member 820, the ends858, 860 of the third support member 822, and the ends 808, 810 of thefourth support member 806 may include an elastic component havingsufficient elastic tension to maintain the lower portion 844 of theprotective cup support 814 and the protective cup 816 in a preferredposition and reduce movement of the support 814 and the cup 816 inforward, backward, lateral and vertical directions. The ends 852, 856 ofthe first and second support members 818, 820 may include an elasticcomponent having sufficient elastic tension to maintain the sideportions 846, 848 of the protective cup support 814 and the protectivecup 816 in a preferred position and reduce movement of the support 814and the cup 816 in lateral or side-to-side directions.

In an example embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth supportmembers 818, 820, 822, 806 may each include an elongated component orstrap made from a suitably resilient or elastic material. It should beappreciated that the suitably resilient or elastic material may includenatural fibers such as cotton, linen or wool, synthetic fibers such aspolyester, spandex or nylon, or various blends of natural and syntheticfibers such as cotton and polyester or spandex and nylon. The resilientor elastic material may include a fabric having any suitable weave orpattern. The first, second, third and fourth support members 818, 820,822, 806 may each be formed from a non-elastic material, such as leatheror any other suitable non-elastic material. It should also beappreciated that the first, second, third and fourth support members818, 820, 822, 806 may be made from any suitable material adapted tomaintain the position of the protective cup 816 relative to the user'sbody when worn by that user.

It should be appreciated that the waistband 812, the protective cupsupport 814, the first support member 818, the second support member820, the third support member 822 and the fourth support member 806 maybe made from any stretchable material such as elastic material orextensible material. When elongated in one or more dimensions, elasticmaterials may exert a force tending to move the material at leastpartially to its original dimensions and extensible materials may remainin the elongated dimensions.

Referring now to FIG. 26B, the first, second, third and fourth supportmembers 818, 820, 822, 806 may connect to the lower portion 844 of theprotective cup support 814. The first end 850 of the first supportmember 818 may connect to the lower portion 844 of the protective cupsupport 814. The first end 854 of the second support member 820 mayconnect to the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support 814. Thefirst end 858 of the third support member 822 may connect to the lowerportion 844 of the protective cup support 814 through stitching or anyother suitable manner. The first end 858 of the third support member 822may be spaced from the first end 850 of the first support member 818 atthe lower portion 844. The first end 808 of the fourth support member806 may connect to the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support814 through stitching or any other suitable manner. The first end 808 ofthe fourth support member 806 may be spaced from the first end 854 ofthe second support member 820 at the lower portion 844.

Referring now to FIG. 26C, an example embodiment of the first, second,third and fourth support members 818, 820, 822, 806 is illustrated. Thefirst end 850 of the first support member 818 may connect to the lowerportion 844 of the protective cup support 814. The first end 854 of thesecond support member 820 may connect to the lower portion 844 of theprotective cup support 814. The first end 858 of the third supportmember 822 may connect to the first end 850 of the first support member818, the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support 814, or both.The first end 808 of the fourth support member 806 may connect to thefirst end 854 of the second support member 820, the lower portion 844 ofthe protective cup support 814, or both. The first ends 858, 808 of thethird and fourth support members 822, 806 may be connected to oneanother.

Referring now to FIG. 26D, an example embodiment of the first, second,third and fourth support members 818, 820, 822, 806 is illustrated. Thefirst end 850 of the first support member 818 may connect to the lowerportion 844 of the protective cup support 814. The first end 854 of thesecond support member 820 may connect to the lower portion 844 of theprotective cup support 814. The first end 858 of the third supportmember 822 may connect to the first end 850 of the first support member818. The first end 858 of the third support member 822 may connect toeither a top or bottom side of the first end 850 of the first supportmember 818. The first end 808 of the fourth support member 806 mayconnect to the first end 854 of the second support member 820. The firstend 808 of the fourth support member 806 may connect to either a top orbottom side of the first end 854 of the second support member 820. Thefirst ends 858, 808 of the third and fourth support members 822, 806 maybe spaced apart from one another by a designated distance. The distancebetween the first ends 858, 808 of the third and fourth support members822, 806 may be the same or different than the distance between thesecond ends 860, 810 of the third and fourth support members 822, 806.

Referring now to FIG. 26E, an example embodiment of the first, second,third and fourth support members 818, 820, 822, 806 is illustrated. Thefirst end 50 of the first support member 18 connects to the lowerportion 84 of the protective cup support 14. The first end 54 of thesecond support member 20 connects to the lower portion 84 of theprotective cup support 14. The first end 858 of the third support member822 may connect to the first end 854 of the second support member 820.The first end 858 of the third support member 822 may connect to eithera top or bottom side of the first end 854 of the second support member820. The first end 808 of the fourth support member 806 may connect tothe first end 850 of the first support member 818. The first end 808 ofthe fourth support member 806 may connect to either a top or bottom sideof the first end 850 of the first support member 820.

In an example embodiment, the first end 858 of the third support member822 may connect to the lower portion 844 of the protective cup support814 via at least one of (i) the first end 850 of the first supportmember 818, (ii) the first end 854 of the second support member 820, and(iii) the first end 850 of the first support member 818 and the firstend 854 of the second support member 820. In an example embodiment, thefirst end 808 of the fourth support member 806 may connect to the lowerportion 844 of the protective cup support 814 via at least one of (i)the first end 850 of the first support member 818, (ii) the first end854 of the second support member 820, and (iii) the first end 850 of thefirst support member 818 and the first end 854 of the second supportmember 820.

In an example embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourthsupport members 818, 820, 822, 806 may have at least one end directlyconnected to the protective cup 816. The first ends 850, 854, 858, 808of the first, second, third and fourth support members 818, 820, 822,806 each may connect to a lower portion of the protective cup 816. Thesecond end 852 of the first support member 818 may connect to a firstside portion of the protective cup 816. The second end 856 of the secondsupport member 820 may connect to a second side portion of theprotective cup 816.

In an example embodiment, the first ends 850, 854, 858 may connect tothe protective cup 816 through the same opening or through differentopenings formed in the protective cup 816. The second ends 852, 856 ofthe first and second support members 818, 820 may connect to theprotective cup 816 through openings formed in, or adjacent to, the sideportions of the protective cup 816. The second end 860 of the thirdsupport member 822 and the second end 810 of the fourth support member806 may connect to the rear portion 828 of the waistband 812 bystitching or any other suitable manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 to 29, an example embodiment of a garment 900is illustrated. Garment 900 may be referred to as an inner garment or acompression short. The garment 900 may include a short member 910connected to a waistband 912 by stitching, by having portions integralwith the waistband 912, or by any suitable connection or fastener. Thegarment 900 may also include a protective cup support 914, a firstsupport member 918, a second support member 920, a third support member922 and a fourth support member 906.

The short member 910 may include a plurality of interior portionsconnected to the waistband 912, the protective cup support 914, thefirst support member 918, the second support member 920, the thirdsupport member 922 and the fourth support member 906 by stitching or anyother suitable connection. In an example embodiment, the short member910 includes a front portion 924, a rear portion 926 and respective sideportions 928, 930 interconnecting the front portion 924 and the rearportion 926. The front portion 924, the side portion 928 and the rearportion 926 cooperate to form a first leg portion 932. The front portion924, the side portion 930 and the rear portion 926 cooperate to form asecond leg portion 934. The first and second leg portions 932, 934 areseparated from one another by an inseam 936. The front portion 924, therear portion 926, the side portions 928, 930, and the leg portions 932,934 each have an interior surface which is configured to contact theuser's body when the garment 900 is worn by the user, and an exteriorsurface which opposes the interior surface.

It should be appreciated that the inseam 936 may have different lengths,which enables the leg portions 932, 934 to have different lengths. In anexample embodiment, the leg portions 932, 934 and the inseam 936 may besized to form leg openings which extend to a portion of the user's leg(e.g., the user's thigh). For example, the inseam 936 may be sized sothat when a user wears the garment 900, the leg portions 932, 934 extendto a portion of the user's legs above the user's knees. In anotherexample, the inseam 936 may be sized so that when a user wears thegarment 900, the leg portions 932, 934 extend to a portion of the user'slegs below the user's knees. For example, when a user wears the garment900, the inseam 936 may be sized so that the leg portions 932, 934extend to a portion of the user's legs at or below the user's ankles.

In an example embodiment, the first leg portion 932 includes aprotective pad support 938 disposed on the exterior surface thereof. Theprotective pad support 938 may define an interior space that isconfigured to receive a leg pad 942. The protective pad support 938 mayinclude an upper exterior portion 944 which overlaps a lower exteriorportion 946 by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch, about two andone-half centimeters or any other suitable amount) to define aprotective pad receiving aperture 948. In an example embodiment, thelower exterior portion 946 may overlap the upper exterior portion 944 bya designated amount to define the protective pad receiving aperture 948.The upper exterior portion 944 may be separable from the lower exteriorportion 946 to access the interior space of the protective pad support938 through the protective pad receiving aperture 948. The aperture 948may have a width that is sized to accommodate a width of the leg pad 942such that the leg pad 942 may be inserted through the protective padreceiving aperture 948 and received by the interior space of theprotective pad support 938. For example, a user may access the interiorspace (e.g., to position the leg pad 942) through the protective padreceiving aperture 948 of the protective pad support 938.

In an example embodiment, the second leg portion 934 includes aprotective pad support 940 disposed on the exterior surface thereof. Theprotective pad support 940 may be substantially similar to theprotective pad support 938 of the first leg portion 932. The protectivepad support 940 may define an interior space that is configured toreceive a leg pad 942. The protective pad support 940 may include anupper exterior portion 950 which overlaps a lower exterior portion 952by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch, about two and one-halfcentimeters or any other suitable amount) to define a protective padreceiving aperture 954. In an example embodiment, the lower exteriorportion 952 may overlap the upper exterior portion 950 by a designatedamount to define the protective pad receiving aperture 954. The upperexterior portion 950 may be separable from the lower exterior portion952 to access the interior space of the protective pad support 940through the protective pad receiving aperture 954. The aperture 954 mayhave a width that is sized to accommodate a width of the leg pad 942such that the leg pad 942 may be inserted through the protective padreceiving aperture 954 and received by the interior space of theprotective pad support 940. For example, a user may access the interiorspace (e.g., to position the leg pad 942) through the protective padreceiving aperture 954 of the protective pad support 940.

The protective pad supports 938, 940 of the first and second legportions 932, 934 may each be configured to receive separate leg pads942. The leg pad 942 may be inserted into and removed from theprotective pad supports 938, 940. The leg pad 942 may be shaped toconform to the interior space defined by each protective pad support938, 940. The leg pad 942 may include any suitable material or padding,such as rubber, foam or any other suitable material which absorbs,disperses or reduces impact.

In an example embodiment, the front portion 924 of the short member 950may include a protective pad support 956 disposed on the exteriorsurface thereof. The protective pad support 956 may be substantiallysimilar to the protective pad supports 938, 940 of the leg portions 932,934. The protective pad support 956 may define an interior space that isconfigured to receive a groin region pad 958. The protective pad support956 may include an upper exterior portion 960 which overlaps a lowerexterior portion 962 by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch, abouttwo and one-half centimeters or any other suitable amount) to define aprotective pad receiving aperture 964. In an example embodiment, thelower exterior portion 962 may overlap the upper exterior portion 960 bya designated amount to define the protective pad receiving aperture 964.The upper exterior portion 960 may be separable from the lower exteriorportion 962 to access the interior space of the protective pad support956 through the protective pad receiving aperture 964. The aperture 964may have a width that is sized to accommodate a width of the groinregion pad 958 such that the groin region pad 958 may be insertedthrough the protective pad receiving aperture 964 and received by theinterior space of the protective pad support 956. For example, a usermay access the interior space (e.g., to position the groin region pad958) through the protective pad receiving aperture 964 of the protectivepad support 956.

The protective pad support 956 is configured to receive the groin regionpad 958. The groin region pad 958 may be inserted in and removed fromthe protective pad support 956. The groin region pad 958 may be shapedto conform to the interior space defined by the protective pad support956. The groin region pad 958 may include any suitable material orpadding, such as rubber, foam or any other suitable material whichabsorbs, disperses or reduces impact. The groin region pad 958 mayinclude any suitable perforated or non-perforated material whichabsorbs, disperses or reduces an amount of force exerted thereon.

In an example embodiment, the leg pads 942 and/or the groin region pad958 may include any suitable polymer which is suitable to absorb,disperse or reduce the amount of force or speed of an impact. The legpads 942 and/or the groin region pad 958 may include a shock absorbingpolymer, a vibration dampening polymer, a viscoelastic polymer or avisco polymer, such as the polymers manufactured by Action Products,Inc. of Hagerstown, Md. In an example embodiment, the leg pads 942and/or the groin region pad 958 may include one or more cells, ribs,bumps or protrusions extending from and attached thereto. Each cell,rib, bump or protrusion may be filled with a solid, a liquid, a gas or agel to absorb, disperse or reduce the amount of force or speed of animpact. In an example embodiment, the leg pads 942 and/or the groinregion pad 958 may include rubber or foam, which may act as a crumplezone to absorb, disperse, or reduce the amount of force or speed of animpact. For example, the leg pads 942 and/or the groin region pad 958may be any suitable foam, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foamor a closed cell foam (e.g., polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam, orpolychloroprene foam). In an example embodiment, the leg pads 942 and/orthe groin region pad 958 may be a panel of perforated or non-perforatedthermoplastic material having a honeycomb core and a plurality of sheetsbonded to the honeycomb core. The honeycomb core may have shockdampening characteristics to absorb, disperse, or reduce the amount offorce or speed of an impact. One example of a suitable honeycombstructure is manufactured by Supracor, Inc. of San Jose, Calif.

It should be appreciated that the protective pad support 956 and theprotective pad supports 938, 940 may fixedly support the groin regionpad 958 and the leg pads 942, respectively. For example, the groinregion pad 958 and the leg pads 942 may be stitched or enclosed in anysuitable manner within the protective pad support 956 and the protectivepad supports 938, 940.

In an example embodiment, the leg portions 932, 934 may include one ormore protective pad supports configured to receive protective pads toprotect the user's buttocks, hips, thighs, shins or knees. Theprotective pad supports and the protective pads for protecting theuser's buttocks, hips, thighs, shins or knees may be substantiallysimilar to the protective pad supports 938, 940, 956, the leg pads 942and the groin region pad 958 described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, the waistband 912 includes a brandingregion 968, a front region 970, side regions 972, 974 and a rear region976. Each of the side regions 972, 974 separate the front region 970from the rear region 976. The front, side and rear regions 970, 972,974, 976 of the waistband 912 may align with, and be connected to, thefront, side and rear portions 924, 926, 928, 930 of the garment 900 bystitching or any other suitable connection.

In an example embodiment, the branding region 968 may be configured todisplay branding or marketing information, such as an advertisement orsponsorship. For example, the branding or marketing information may beattached to, printed on, stitched to, or otherwise coupled with thebranding region 968 in any suitable manner. The branding region 968 maybe positioned along any one, a plurality of, or each of the front region970, the side regions 972, 974, and the rear region 976.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 914 includes afront panel 978 which may connect to a rear panel 980 by stitching orany other suitable manner. The front panel 978 and the rear panel 980are connected to, and cooperate with, one another to form an interiorspace or pocket 982. The interior space 982 is configured to receive aprotective cup 916, which may be substantially similar to the protectivecup 16.

The rear panel 980 includes a first portion 984 which overlaps a secondportion 986 by a designated amount (e.g., about one inch, about two andone-half centimeters or any other suitable amount). The first portion984 is separable from the second portion 986 to form an aperture or slot988 which provides access to the interior space 982. The aperture 988may have a width that is sized to accommodate a width of a protectivecup such that the protective cup may be inserted through the aperture988 and received by the interior space 982. For example, a user mayaccess the interior space 982 (e.g., to position the protective cup)through the aperture 988 on the rear panel 980 of the protective cupsupport 914. The protective cup support 914 may include a closure memberto close the protective cup receiving aperture 988 (e.g., to fasten thefirst portion 984 to the second portion 986), such as a snap, a button,a zipper or any other suitable separable fasteners, such as hook andloop type fasteners.

It should be appreciated that the protective cup support 914 may besized and shaped to substantially conform to the protective cup 916. Inan example embodiment, the protective cup support 914 is sized toaccommodate the protective cup 916 and to reduce the ability orlikelihood of the cup 916 shifting or moving within the interior space982 of the protective cup support 914. For example, when the protectivecup 916 is received by the interior space 982, the protective cupsupport 914 is configured such that the rear panel 980 supports a rearportion of the protective cup 916, the first portion 984 supports anupper, front portion of the protective cup 916, the second portion 986supports a lower, front portion of the protective cup 916, and thewaistband 912, the front panel 978 and the rear panel 980 support anupper portion of the protective cup 916.

In an example embodiment, the front panel 978 and the rear panel 980connect together to form an upper area or portion 990, a lower area orportion 992, a first side area or portion 994 and a second side area orportion 996 of the protective cup support 914. The upper portion 990 mayconnect to the front region 970 of the waistband 912 by stitching, byhaving portions integral with the waistband 912, or with any suitableconnection or fastener. For example, the upper portion 990 of the frontand rear panels 978, 980 may be connected to, and cooperate with, thefront region 970 of the waistband to form the interior space or pocket982. The first side portion 994 and the second side portion 996 extendbetween the upper portion 990 and the lower portion 992. The first andsecond side portions 994, 996 may extend from the upper portion 990,longitudinally oppose one another, and taper or narrow at the lowerportion 992. The lower portion 992 may be suspended between the frontportion 924, the rear portion 926 and the side portions 928, 930 of thegarment 900.

In an example embodiment, the protective cup support 914 may bepositioned between the front portion 924, the rear portion 926 and theside portions 928, 930 to substantially align with the protective padsupport 956 disposed on the exterior surface of the front portion 924.The protective cup support 914 may be positioned relative to theprotective pad support 956 and the groin region pad 958 so that thegroin region pad 958 may absorb, disperse or reduce the amount of forceor speed of an impact to the user's groin region.

In an example embodiment, the upper portion 990 connects to the frontregion 970 of the waistband 912 with stitching, by having portionsintegral with the waistband 912, or with any suitable connection orfastener. The side portions 994, 996 may each connect to the interiorsurface of the front portion 924 of the garment 900 with stitching, byhaving portions integral with the front portion 924, or with anysuitable connection or fastener. The side portions 994, 996 may connectto the interior surface of the front portion 924 to maintain theprotective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. For example, the side portions994, 996 may stabilize the protective cup support 914 and the protectivecup 916 in lateral or side-to-side directions.

In an example embodiment, the lower portion 992 and the side portions994, 996 each connect to the interior surface of the front portion 924of the garment 900 with stitching, by having portions integral with thefront portion 924, or with any suitable connection or fastener. Thelower portion 992 and the side portions 994, 996 may connect to theinterior surface of the front portion 924 to maintain the protective cupsupport 914 and the protective cup 916 in a preferred position relativeto the user's body. For example, the lower portion 992 may stabilize theprotective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916 in forward,backward and vertical directions and the side portions 994, 996 maystabilize the protective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916 inlateral or side-to-side directions.

In an example embodiment, the upper portion 990 connects to the frontregion 970 of the waistband 912 with stitching, by having portionsintegral with the waistband 912, or with any suitable connection orfastener. The lower portion 992 connects to the interior surfaces of thefront and rear portions 924, 926 of the garment 900 with stitching, byhaving portions integral with the front portion 924, or with anysuitable connection or fastener. The lower portion 992 may connect tothe interior surfaces of the front and rear portions 924, 926 tomaintain the protective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916 in apreferred position relative to the user's body. For example, the lowerportion 992 may stabilize the protective cup support 914 and theprotective cup 916 in forward, backward and vertical directions.

In an example embodiment, the first support member 918 connects betweenthe lower portion 992 and the first side portion 994 of the protectivecup support 914. The first support member 918 includes a first end 1000which may connect to the lower portion 992 of the protective cup support914, and a second end 1002 which may connect to the first side portion994 of the protective cup support 914. The first support member 918 isadapted to maintain the lower portion 992 and the side portion 994 ofthe protective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916 in a preferredposition relative to the user's body. In an example embodiment, thefirst support member 918 stabilizes the protective cup support 914 andthe protective cup 916 in lateral or side-to-side directions when thegarment 900 is worn by the user.

The second support member 920 connects between the lower portion 992 andthe second side portion 996 of the protective cup support 914. Thesecond support member 920 includes a first end 1004 which connects tothe lower portion 992 of the protective cup support 914, and a secondend 1006 which connects to the second side portion 996 of the protectivecup support 914. The second support member 920 maintains the lowerportion 992 and the side portion 996 of the protective cup support 914and the protective cup 916 in a preferred position relative to theuser's body. In an example embodiment, the second support member 920stabilizes the protective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916 inlateral or side-to-side directions when the garment 900 is worn by theuser.

The third support member 922 connects between the lower portion 992 ofthe protective cup support 914 and the waistband 912. The third supportmember 922 includes a first end 1008 which connects to the lower portion992 of the protective cup support 914, and a second end 1010 whichconnects to the rear portion 976 of the waistband 912. The third supportmember 922 maintains the lower portion 992 of the protective cup support914 and the protective cup 916 in a preferred position relative to theuser's body. In an example embodiment, the third support member 922stabilizes the protective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916 inforward, backward and vertical directions when the garment 900 is wornby the user.

The fourth support member 906 connects between the lower portion 992 ofthe protective cup support 914 and the waistband 912. The fourth supportmember 906 includes a first end 1012 which connects to the lower portion992 of the protective cup support 914, and a second end 1014 whichconnects to the rear portion 976 of the waistband 912. The fourthsupport member 906 maintains the lower portion 992 of the protective cupsupport 914 and the protective cup 916 in a preferred position relativeto the user's body. In an example embodiment, the fourth support member906 stabilizes the protective cup support 914 and the protective cup 916in forward, backward and vertical directions when the garment 900 isworn by the user.

The end 1000 of the first support member 918, the end 1004 of the secondsupport member 920, the ends 1008, 1010 of the third support member 922and the ends 1012, 1014 of the fourth support member 906 may include anelastic component having sufficient elastic tension to maintain thelower portion 992 of the protective cup support 914 and the protectivecup 916 in a preferred position and reduce movement of the support 914and the cup 916 in forward, backward, lateral and vertical directions.The ends 1002, 1006 of the first and second support members 918, 920 mayinclude an elastic component having sufficient elastic tension tomaintain the side portions 994, 996 of the protective cup support 914and the protective cup 916 in a preferred position and reduce movementof the support 914 and the cup 916 in lateral or side-to-sidedirections.

It should be appreciated that the waistband 912, the protective cupsupport 914, the first support member 918, the second support member920, the third support member 922 and the fourth support member 906 maybe made from similar materials as the waistband 12, the protective cupsupport 14, the first support member 18, the second support member 20and the third support member 22 described above with respect to FIGS. 1to 3.

In an example embodiment, the garment 900 may be adapted to connect tothe garment 700. For example, the garment 900 may be connected to thegarment 700 by a suitable connector or fastener such that the garments700, 900 function as a single garment. In an example embodiment, thegarment 500 may be adapted to connect to the garment 700. For example,the garment 500 may be connected to the garment 700 by a suitableconnector or fastener such that the garments 500, 700 function as asingle garment.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to theexample embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilledin the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and withoutdiminishing its intended advantages. For example, different exampleembodiments or portions thereof may be combined or interchanged with oneanother. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications becovered by the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A garment for carrying aprotective cup, the garment comprising: a shorts member including: anannular support member having a front region and a rear region, a frontpanel, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, eachpanel attached to the annular support member, a first leg portion formedby the front panel, the rear panel, and the first side panel, and asecond leg portion formed by the front panel, the rear panel, and thesecond side panel; a protective cup support configured to receive aprotective cup, the protective cup support having an upper portion, alower portion, a first side, and a second side, the upper portionattached to the front region of the annular support member; a firstsupport strap connected at a first end to the first side of theprotective cup support and at a second end to the lower portion of theprotective cup support; a second support strap connected at a first endto the second side of the protective cup support and at a second end tothe lower portion of the protective cup support; and a third supportstrap attached at one end to the lower portion of the protective cupsupport and at a second end to the rear region of the annular supportmember.
 2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising: a fourth supportstrap attached at one end to the lower portion of the protective cupsupport and at a second end to the rear region of the annular supportmember.
 3. The garment of claim 2, wherein the first support strap, thesecond support strap, the third support strap, and the fourth supportstrap connect to the lower portion of the protective cup support insubstantially the same location.
 4. The garment of claim 2, where in thefirst support strap, the second support strap, the third support strap,and the fourth support strap are made of a stretchable material.
 5. Thegarment of claim 1, wherein the first side panel and the second sidepanel are made of a stretchable material.
 6. The garment of claim 1,wherein at least one of the front panel, the rear panel, the first sidepanel, and the second side panel is a differential material from atleast one of the other of the front panel, the rear panel, the firstside panel, and the second side panel.
 7. The garment of claim 1,wherein the protective cup support, the first support strap, and thesecond support strap are located within the shorts member.
 8. Thegarment of claim 1, wherein the protective cup is removably securedwithin the protective cup support.
 9. The garment of claim 8, whereinthe protective cup support is a pocket, the protective cup supporthaving a flap for at least partially maintaining the protective cup inthe protective cup support.
 10. The garment of claim 1, wherein theannular support member is made of a stretchable material.
 11. A shortsgarment for carrying a protective cup, the shorts garment comprising: anannular support member having a front region and a rear region; a firstleg portion and a second leg portion each attached to the annularsupport member, the first leg portion and the second leg portion atleast partially attached to each other; a protective cup pocket havingan upper portion, a lower portion, a first side portion, and a secondside portion, the upper portion attached to the front region of theannular support member; a first support strap connected at a first endof the first side portion of the protective cup pocket and at a secondend to the lower portion of the protective cup pocket; a second supportstrap connected at a first end to the second side portion of theprotective cup pocket and at a second end to the lower portion of theprotective cup pocket; and a third support strap attached at one end tothe lower portion of the protective cup pocket and at a second end tothe annular support member.
 12. The shorts garment of claim 11, furthercomprising: a fourth support strap attached at one end to the lowerportion of the protective cup pocket and at a second end to the rearregion of the annular support member.
 13. The shorts garment of claim12, wherein the first support strap, the second support strap, the thirdsupport strap, and the fourth support strap attach to the protective cuppocket in substantially the same location.
 14. The shorts garment ofclaim 11, wherein at least a portion of the first leg portion and thesecond leg portion is made of a stretchable material.
 15. The shortsgarment of claim 11, wherein the protective cup pocket, the firstsupport strap, and the second support strap are located within theshorts garment.
 16. A compression shorts undergarment comprising: anannular support member having a front region and a rear region; a firstleg portion and a second leg portion each attached to the annularsupport member, the first leg portion and the second leg portion atleast partially attached to each other, the first leg portion and thesecond leg portion are at least partially made of a stretchablematerial; a protective cup support configured to receive a protectivecup, the protective cup support having an upper portion, a lowerportion, a first side, and a second side, the upper portion attached tothe front region of the annular support member; a first support straphaving a first end and a second end, the first end and the second endare both attached to the protective cup support; a second support straphaving a first end and a second end, the first end and the second endboth attached to the protective cup support; and a third support strapattached at one end to the lower portion of the protective cup supportand at a second end to the rear region of the annular support member.17. The compression shorts undergarment of claim 16, wherein theprotective cup support, the first support strap, and the second supportstrap are located within the compression shorts undergarment.
 18. Thecompression shorts undergarment of claim 16, further comprising theprotective cup removably retained within the protective cup support.